The core characteristics of TOXIC bosses – so does YOUR manager have one of them?
The Core Traits of TOXIC Bosses: Scientists identify 5 key traits – so does YOUR manager have one of them?
- Scientists wanted to understand what makes a toxic leader
- They revealed 5 key traits including envy of their team’s success
From Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada to Mr. Burns in The Simpsons, bad bosses have been a staple of blockbuster hits for years.
But what makes a truly toxic leader?
In his new book, Professor Simon L. Dolan, professor at the Advantere School of Management, seeks to understand the characteristics of toxic leaders.
His research reveals five key traits, including envy of his team’s success and constant worry about competition or “enemies” in the workplace.
‘There are many factors that contribute to a toxic personality, including an obsessive need to show others their worth, but mainly a lack of ingrained self-esteem,’ explained Professor Dolan.
From Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada (pictured) to Mr. Burns in The Simpsons, bad bosses have been a staple of blockbuster hits for years
“This is usually the culmination of a lack of ethical and emotional development throughout their lives.”
Professor Dolan’s new book, De-Stress at Work, aims to help employees understand if their manager is toxic and what to do about it.
“Leadership can make or break an organization,” he said. “A poor leader can demotivate teams, sap morale, and the impact on teams can be devastating.”
He pared down the characteristics of toxic leaders to reveal five key characteristics:
- Jealous of their team’s success
- Constantly concerned about competition or “enemies” in the workplace
- Often accept credit for other people’s work
- Constantly compare yourself to others
- Think of their self-esteem as driven solely by their latest results
According to Professor Dolan, one of the main problems with toxic leaders is their belief that they need “superhuman qualities of stamina and strength.”
His research reveals five key traits, including envy of his team’s success and constant worry about competition or “enemies” in the workplace. Pictured: Mr Burns from The Simpsons
“It can be really damaging because they have to hide their feelings even when they’re under immense pressure,” he said.
“Pretending to be superhuman does a lot of damage to the mind and body – the key really is being realistic about your strengths and weaknesses.
“A leader must be able to proactively manage their emotions in order to radiate calm and sanity to their teams.”
If you’re a manager, there are several things you can do to ensure you don’t fall down the wrong path of becoming a toxic leader.
These include improving communication with your team and using relaxation techniques, according to Professor Dolan.
“While leaders are expected to be confident, it’s important not to confuse this with overconfidence,” he said.
“A great leader needs to be respectful, supportive, and nurturing—not just someone who’s confident.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11867599/The-core-traits-TOXIC-bosses-does-manager-them.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 The core characteristics of TOXIC bosses – so does YOUR manager have one of them?