The Most Glaring Weakness of Terrible Leaders Exposed

While there are other despicable of traits of terrible leaders, the biggest complaint is that they are consistent purveyors of bad news just like the politicians and the media. They are downright negative most of the time. The words, language and intention that spews from their mouths are most often offensive.

Terrible Leaders Equal Terrible Results

Negative politics has become an art and a weapon. While it’s always been around, with social media it moves at the speed of light reaching more people faster. Research suggests that negatives ads are more memorable, change people’s minds and can increase voter turnout. It is well know that negative headlines get much more attention for the media. However, it doesn’t work the same way for terrible leaders.

Research shows bad leaders or bosses increase employee turnover and stress, and decrease engagement and performance. They drive people apart, they don’t bring them together through a compelling vision or consensus. With employee disengagement worldwide at 87%, there are a lot of managers out out there not leading well. Here are examples of their awful behavior that makes them stick out like a pimple on your nose.

• Belittling or criticizing employees or co-workers or others
• Foul language
•  Sarcasm
• Trite platitudes
• Insults
• Instigator of conflict
• Focus on weaknesses or mistakes
• Temper tantrums
• Blaming others for their problems
• Lies or half truths

Managers or those in authority that treat employees abusively, and disrespectfully tend not to be transparent, supportive and helpful to them. Their main concern it to look out for number one.

I believe leadership is about positive relationships, influence and trust. The main rule for enlightened leadership is that it is not about you. According to research good communication is the main element needed for strong partnerships. Poor communication is the top killer for employee engagement. It creates dejection, conflict, fear, frustration, ambiguity and resentment. All of which eventually produces poorer performance of even the best employees. A manager that fosters negativism quickly destroys his or her credibility. Even with the title or position they can never be a genuine leader. Of course, you know that or will know that if you work for a bad boss.

Pulling It All Together

If you are a manager and fit the description above-get help fast! (see the resources below or find ohters)

If you are an employee working for a bad boss, may the force be with you. (see this post 6 Proven Ways to Deal with a Bad Boss) Really…look for better job and manager. If you are looking for a job check out the GlassDoor or Indeed ratings for the company, and ask these questions in the interview whether or not the potential supervisor is involved:

• How does the person rate in terms of employee engagement?
• What is the employee turnover rate for the team?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your potential supervisor based on the most recent 360 Leadership Assessment?
• What leadership training has the person attended in the last year?
• What is it like to be supervised by this person?

Unfortunately terrible bosses are like dinosaurs that still stalk the halls of corporate America if they make a profit, own the company, are elected for some reason, the company is a mess, good employees make up for their incompetence, or have relationships with key people. However bad bosses, in my opinion they aren’t leaders, can’t hide forever. What they say and do exposes their ineptness. They are like a cavity in a tooth. Left alone long enough, it will do some painful damage that can’t be ignored.

Do you want to dramatically change your management career for the better? Go here: RCI Online Leadership Training: 4 Options for Success.

Or, do you want a good read with practical management advice? If so, check out Rick’s Superstar Leadership book.