Monday, March 9, 2009

More notes from the retreat

In between yoga sessions, massages, facials, lying by the pool and eating yummy organic food, I had plenty of time to chat with the other guests.When I mentioned that I am a leadership coach ( Redgate Consulting) the topic of toxic bosses came up.This lead to sharing our experiences of poor or dysfunctional bosses.All of us had at least one story!Typical behaviours displayed by these toxic bosses included:-
  • Poor communication skills
  • Arrogant, cold
  • Aggressive, bossy
The impact of these behaviours also had common impacts on us as employees:-
  • Reduced productivity
  • Lowered morale
  • No or little enjoyment of work
Most recounted that they had actually left jobs due to toxic leadership.Loss of valuable people due to this is extremely bad business.We agreed the costs of poor leadership are huge and it is time all leaders took responsibility to know the impact of their behaviour on employees and take measures to improve or change.
What is your experience with poor leadership at work?
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5 comments:

  1. AngelaMarch 9, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    Toxic bosses are a big problem for all businesses. Unfortunately, there are not many people who posess true leadership abilities. In my view it is a combination of skills, experience, knowledge and high personal ethics. Good bosses need to genuinely want to achieve good outcomes for their staff and not be self-centred in their leadership style. A personal commitment to fairness, equality and justice is also important.

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  2. Redgate ConsultingMarch 9, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    I agree Angela- true inspirational leaders are rare but I have seen people develop leadership skills through a structured learning program, such as individaul coaching, reading and attending workshops- if they are self motivated and aware that their skills need to be developed and enhanced.

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  3. UnknownMarch 9, 2009 at 4:09 PM

    I wonder if many toxic bosses would be aware that their skills need to be developed and enhanced.
    This is a challenge for those who seek to have the bosses become non-toxic
    David

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  4. Redgate ConsultingMarch 12, 2009 at 11:09 AM

    Thanks for your comment,David.Sadly, research shows that senior managers are often not at all aware that their behaviour is toxic to their staff and workplaces productive.Conversely,effective leaders have high self awareness and self regulation of their behaviour.Have you any ideas about helping toxic bosses to have more insight?

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  5. BelindaMay 5, 2009 at 5:46 PM

    My toxic boss fits only the first of the aforementioned typical behaviours. She is unfailingly friendly while still being unfailingly unproductive. Despite her friendliness, or perhaps because of it, I find it difficult to approach her about my issues.

    My boss definitely falls under the unaware banner. I know there are ways I could bring up ideas to improve our ok environment, but I feel that any type of suggestion is going to come out as a criticism.

    Ongoing leadership programs would help to improve toxic boss situations, especially given the research mentioned above. Surely it would be worthwhile for businesses to implement such programs given the impact toxic bosses have on productivity.

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