Responding to Netizens Comment

Netizen's Comment: What are the hallmark signs of a toxic leader.

Response: Toxic leaders are characterized as leaders who have destructive behaviors and show signs of dysfunctional personal characteristics. These are the hallmark signs people have to watch out for.

1.  Autocratic - the leader uses their authority to impose their will without stopping to consider the ideas and opinions of others. They are domineering and everything they do is dictatorial ... nay ... abusive and tyrannical.

2. Incompetent - they lack the will and skill to sustain effective management. They are ingratiating sometimes overly conforming. When the leader projects the image of incompetence the leader is sending out conflicting messages and confusing directions.  

3. Narcissistic - Narcissistic leaders have an exaggerated sense of their own importance. They have an excessive need for admiration from others and they have a penchant for self-promotion. Narcissistic leaders are self-absorbed and hold beliefs of entitlement and superiority.

4. Rigid - the leader is stiff and unyielding. They are unable to adapt to new ideas, new information, and the ever-changing times. Rigidity in management is the exact opposite of being flexible. And experts believe rigid leaders have poor mental health.

5. Manipulative - Their focus is still on themselves. This person will abuse their position and relationships for personal gain. They always expect special favors and often take advantage of others to get what they want. He knows very well the needs of the people but does very little to fulfill them.

6. Intemperate - the leader lacks self-control and is aided and abetted by followers who are unwilling to effectively intervene. They usually involve themselves in taking actions that lack an ethical and moral compass. Intemperate leaders lack the vision which is why most of their plans are doomed from the get-go.

7. Overly competitive - They have a "win at all cost" attitude. They left a trail of damaged individuals who failed to keep up with their pace. When the pressure of the competition sets in all you see are emotionally battered individuals shabby and falling apart.

8. Heartless - they are uncaring and unkind. People are usually ignored and discounted. They usually reward incompetent people and see a lack of accountability as something normal. Heartless leaders don't take the time to nurture and help their team develop.

9. Discriminatory - They refused to be challenged by people who have a different point of view. They surround themselves with a cadre of YES people, who will tell them what they want to hear.

10. Intolerant - They have continued unwillingness to hear and respond. They are close-minded about new and different viewpoints and mindsets, indisposed to tolerate contrary opinions or beliefs, and impatient to dissent or opposition.

11. Intimidating - They bully their subordinates and those around them to achieve their goals. They have the tendency to rule with an iron fist. Insecure leaders resort to cliquishness, a small group of ass-kissers and bootlickers who will parrot what they say and follow what they do.

12. Lying and Inconsistent - Dishonesty pins the morale balloon of the people. Inconsistent leaders also make inconsistent management. One day he is complimentary and in a split second, he becomes critical. Lying leaders can look you straight in the eyes and you assumed it was the gospel truth.

13. Lack of moral philosophy - they are the leaders who don't have a guiding ethical core behind their very important decisions.