Bad Leadership and Their Failures (2024)

I was talking to a long-serving and high-performing leader, someone I have spoken with for many years, they are an extremely loyal and dedicated employee, they love their business and brand, are considered a top performer, with a highly engaged, high performance and profitable team. I was asking generally how they were and what was on the horizon for their business and team, when all of a sudden the conversation changed and they delivered a surprising statement:

The statement took me a back for a minute, it was really out of character for this individual to say something not positive about where they worked.

They went on to share how their leader was overriding what the team and they were telling them, even to the point of bringing in some external consultants to get to the 'root of the issues', issues that the team and this individual had been advising of for some time, when they pointed this out, they apparently said, yes I have heard you 'but I believe you are wrong'.

Sadly, this sort of conversation isn't unusual, every day I speak with C-suite, Directors and senior leaders across the Operations and Customer space, and when I start to explore what the future looks like for them, all too often they will mention how they might be considering, or are actively looking for a move. When I probe further beyond the usual reasons for moving on, there is often one or more leadership fails bought to light.

Bad leadership is a topic that has plagued organisations for decades, leading to decreased morale, productivity, and even financial losses. It's an issue that can affect any company, regardless of its size or industry.

In an article publsihed by Personnel Today, almost half of UK workers have quit a job due to a poor relationship with their manager, according to Totaljobs.

Bad leadership can come in many forms some of which are listed here:

• Authoritarianism: One of the most common signs of bad leadership is an authoritarian approach. Leaders who demand unquestioning obedience, control every aspect of their team's work, and discourage independent thinking often create a toxic work environment. For some, this has been exasperated with working from home, as there seems to be an element of mis trust as to whether their employees are actually working and doing what they say they are going to do.
• Lack of Communication: Effective leaders communicate openly and regularly with their teams. Bad leaders, on the other hand, tend to withhold information, leaving their employees in the dark and fostering mistrust, or as in our situation highlighted above, they can leave their teams feeling ignored and unvalued.
• Micromanagement: Micromanagement is a hallmark of poor leadership. When leaders obsessively monitor and control every task, it not only stifles creativity but also demotivates employees. Again, something that some teams have experienced growth of with hybrid and working from home initiatives.
• Failure to Lead by Example: Leaders who don't practice what they preach lose credibility quickly. If they don't adhere to the same standards they set for their team, it can lead to frustration and resentment. Do as I say, not as I do.

The Impact of Bad Leadership:

• Low Morale: Bad leadership can lead to low team morale. Employees who feel disrespected, undervalued, or unsupported are less likely to be engaged and motivated.
• High Turnover: Organisations with poor leadership often experience high turnover rates. Employees may leave in search of a healthier work environment where they feel appreciated and challenged in a positive way.
• Decline in Performance: A lack of effective leadership can result in a decrease in overall team performance. Without clear guidance and motivation, employees may struggle to meet their goals.
• Reputation Damage: Bad leadership can tarnish an organisation's reputation, making it challenging to attract top talent and retain clients or customers.

It isn't all bad news, bad leadership can be addressed and rectified. Afterall some leaders are thrust into roles of increasing seniority, often without the tools, training and development to be fully effective in a leadership role.

• Leadership Training: Organisations can invest in leadership training programs to develop the skills and qualities required for effective leadership.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing feedback mechanisms for employees to express concerns or report bad leadership behavior can help address issues early.
• Leadership Coaching: Providing leadership coaching or mentorship can support leaders in improving their skills and fostering a more positive work environment.
• Setting Clear Expectations: Organisations should set clear expectations for leaders, emphasising the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork.

Bad leadership can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only an organisation's bottom line but also the well-being of its employees. It's crucial for organisations to recognise the signs of bad leadership and take proactive steps to address it. By fostering a culture of effective leadership, organisations can create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone involved.

I help CEOs, COOs, HRDs and business leaders improve the diversity, success and retention of their new leadership hires across Customer, CX, Operations, Transformation Insight and Planning, providing recruitment consultancy and Executive Search services. Helping you deliver a much improved performance and ROI. If you would like to talk more about your unique challenges and to see if I might be a future resource for you, Book a call today.