Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
In every organization or society, leadership sets the tone. It either builds trust or breeds toxicity, inspires progress or stifles potential. This resource reveals ten damaging leadership styles that often go unchecked and practical ways to recognize and navigate them.
These aren’t just titles—they’re behaviors we’ve all seen, sometimes suffered through:
The Micromanager, who suffocates creativity with control.
The Credit Hog, who claims your success as theirs.
The Blame Shifter, who never owns a mistake.
The Inconsistent Leader, whose indecision derails direction.
The Bully Boss, who uses fear as a management tool.
The Favoritist, who divides the team with bias.
The Over-Critic, who sees failure in every effort.
The Disconnected Leader is absent from the pulse of the team.
The Ego-Driven Executive, whose self-interest overshadows purpose.
And the Unethical Leader, who trades integrity for gain.
Each of these styles drains morale and erodes trust. But they can be addressed—sometimes by communicating more clearly, others by drawing boundaries, documenting actions, or seeking support.
Still, prevention is better than repair. This is why we must be intentional and cautious when choosing who to follow and who we entrust with real change. The wrong leader can delay progress for years, while the right one can transform a culture, inspire excellence, and build lasting impact.
Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about temperament, trust, and truth. As John C. Maxwell said, “The leader’s attitude is like a thermostat for the place she works.”
As we build teams, movements, and institutions, let’s not just ask what someone can do but who they are while doing it. The people we follow shape the places we live, work, and believe in.
Courtesy of MEFOUNDATION
https://mefoundationaid.org/