Can a Toxic Leader lead change?

A lot of people in my WP community know that I’m passionate about the subject of leadership, and I spend a significant amount of time reading and researching it. As I work on building my own way of understanding leadership and answering some big questions I have, I want to share what I’m learning along the way.

There’s a lot happening in this country right now. Much of it seems rushed, irrational, and lacking thoughtful consideration. There certainly doesn’t appear to be any long-term strategy (ten years or more). If there is one, no one has explained it yet.

It feels like a toxic environment, if you ask me. I’ve discussed bad leadership before, but in this post, I want to focus specifically on toxic leadership.

Toxic leadership is a negative leadership style in which a leader engages in systematic and destructive behaviors that harm individuals and organizations, either directly or indirectly.1

Some of the key traits and behaviors of toxic leaders include:

  • Self-centeredness and narcissism: Toxic leaders often display excessive self-promotion and a grandiose ego. They seek personal gain and credit, exhibiting traits like greed, arrogance, and self-absorption.2
  • Abusive and humiliating treatment: These leaders habitually belittle, shame, or threaten subordinates. They may insult, demean, or publicly criticize followers, creating a climate of fear.3
  • Manipulation and exploitation: Toxic leaders manipulate information and people for personal advantage. They play favorites, scapegoat dissenters, withhold resources, or deceive staff to maintain control.4
  • Rigid control and intimidation: They enforce strict obedience and micromanage subordinates. Authoritarian tendencies, such as demanding unquestioning compliance and centralized decision-making, often coexist with toxicity.
  • Lack of empathy and ethics: A defining trait is indifference or hostility toward others’ needs. Toxic leaders generally show little concern for follower well-being and often justify unethical actions if it serves their aims.

These traits create a destructive leadership profile. Toxic leaders tend to combine narcissistic or selfish motives with ongoing abusive actions, creating a sustained pattern of harm within the organization.

Toxic leadership often overlaps with other harmful leadership tendencies, such as destructive leadership and authoritarian leadership:

  • Destructive leadership is a broader umbrella term encompassing many harmful leader behaviors. As defined in leadership literature, “Destructive leadership is a broad, overarching concept covering a number of different kinds of misbehaviors by managers, supervisors, and leaders. It includes bullying and harassment, petty tyranny, toxic leadership, the dark side of leadership, bad leadership, narcissistic leaders, derailment, incompetence, unethical behavior, and poor leadership.”5
  • Authoritarian leadership (or autocratic leadership) is a style characterized by strict control, centralized decision-making, and a demand for obedience.6

Taking into consideration everything mentioned above:

Can a toxic leader lead change?

Absolutely. A toxic leader can lead change, through coercion, manipulation, or disruption, but the nature and sustainability of that change are often deeply problematic.

How can a toxic leader lead change?

  • Short-term effectiveness: They may drive immediate results through fear, pressure, or authoritarian control.
  • Disruption: Toxic leaders often shake up the status quo, which can be perceived as bold or decisive leadership, at least initially.
  • Charisma and manipulation: Some toxic leaders are persuasive and can rally people behind a cause, even if only temporarily.

But these short-term gains often come at a high cost. They erode trust, weaken organizational culture, and undermine long-term success.

I know firsthand that no one enjoys working for a toxic leader. I’ve had my share of them throughout my career, and I can say without hesitation that those were some of the worst times in my professional life. Toxic leaders drain your energy, kill motivation, and hinder performance.

As I continue to study leadership, I find myself asking: 

If most of us don’t like working for toxic leaders, why do we elect them to run our governments?

Perhaps it has something to do with the level of separation between the toxic leader and the everyday citizen, say, someone living in a quiet town in the Midwest of the United States. The perception that a leader’s actions “over there” won’t affect “me over here” is both powerful and dangerous.

But sooner or later, the institutional chaos caused by a toxic leader, especially in a global power like ours, touches every life, not just in this country, but around the world.

It’s worth taking the time to reflect on the decisions we’re making, whether informed or not, and how they are shaping our society for the worse.

  1. https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-022-01167-8#Sec2 ↩︎
  2. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1977827#:~:text=the basis for the emergence,exhibit behaviors that cause ↩︎
  3. https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-022-01167-8#:~:text=individuals and organizations directly or,they abuse their power, which ↩︎
  4. https://risetpress.com/index.php/jhsmt/article/download/1115/726/4996 ↩︎
  5. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-23514-1_54-1 ↩︎
  6. https://pjlss.edu.pk/pdf_files/2024_2/24124-24142.pdf#:~:text=Authoritarian leadership emphasizes legalism, with,These leaders ↩︎

80 thoughts on “Can a Toxic Leader lead change?”

    1. They definitely can, but I’ve never seen a toxic leader change their behavior. I see your point, and yes, we’re all human and sometimes have a bad day. But toxic leadership is a pattern of behavior developed over time, so it’s more than just a bad day. Thank you for reading and commenting.

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      1. Thanks for commenting and subscribing to my website. I really appreciate.
        A leader is human. They had lives before they became leaders. Infact, leaders are allowed to be toxic because of bad followers that may intentionally want to frustrate them

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  2. Edward, well written and comprehensive! I agree with everything you say! Right now I am hoping that the “Big Beautiful Bill” fails miserably. How can people not see that only the .1% are the only ones who will benefit. Can’t they see that they will lose Medicaid, SNAP, and many other programs that are a lifeline. I heard today that the bill would cause 300 rural hospitals to close… Thank you for speaking out! 💐

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  3. Edward, such a comprehensive, well- written post! I agree with everything you say. I am weary of the unlawful acts. The “Big Beautiful Bill” is heartless and distructive, and I hope it fails miserably. I don’t know why people follow someone who cares about no one but himself and believe he is acting in their interest when he is oppressing everyone within his reach!

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    1. I don’t know either. I think some people have a very narrow worldview and only care about certain things they perceive as affecting their lives, forgetting the bigger picture, the well-being of society as a whole. He is definitely speaking to those people and hitting the right notes. Thank you, Cheryl, for reading and commenting.

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  7. This is a wonderful post, Edward. In my view, the growth spurt of this particular toxicity took hold in the 60s — while progress began for positive things like equality and tolerance — negatives also began a less noticeable spread. Charismatic celebrities, athletes, and others were embraced for types of “strength”, which in a less popular person would have been seen as bullying. Masses loved them and the toxic parts they couldn’t, or wouldn’t see. No one would call it toxic or bullying because they were already in love with it. For decades as positive progress continued, so did the love of this unadmitted toxicity. And half the country became infected with the bullying and toxic traits. They can’t see how toxic it is because it’s so deeply rooted in who they are and the kind of person they love. That’s my two cents’ worth anyway. Hugs.

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    1. Your comment makes a lot of sense, Teagan. Sometimes people are so focused on results that they overlook the toxicity of an individual, especially when it comes to personalities they admire, believing those individuals can do no wrong. Thank you for reading and commenting.

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  8. Having been in more than one toxic work environment, I thank you for calling attention to this important problem which needs solved! Have you read the work of Dr. Ramani? She goes into these types of personalities in great detail.

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  9. I think the rest of the world will make adjustments to continue excluding America. They will have to. Another power will come up and replace the imploding one. This has happened many times in history when an empire starts to fail.

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    1. You’re absolutely right, and countries are in the process of doing just that. I keep reading news articles about new economic alliances forming all over the world. I think countries need to diversify their economies and reduce dependency on any one country.

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  11. I think this really strikes a cord. “The perception that a leader’s actions “over there” won’t affect “me over here” is both powerful and dangerous.” becuase there is just so much truth to it. I think people don’t understand always what they are voting for. They blindly follow what their enviroment and those around them are telling them. I also think there is a massive discouragement occuring to. What if you do see the toxic leadership? What if you would never vote for certain people becuase of their toxicity but so many others are? It leaves a feeling of discouragement and that “what can I do about it” feeling. I think many feel powerfless against such forces unfortuntley.

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    1. Samantha, you’re absolutely right, and I think about that all the time. I believe the only thing we can do is stay informed and vote the best we can, but the feeling of powerlessness remains.

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  14. Wow, such a thoughtful, informative and important subject. I couldn’t agree more, “But these short-term gains often come at a high cost. They erode trust, weaken organizational culture, and undermine long-term success.”

    Your question is such a good one! I’ve heard so many answers bandied about. Like Robert Reich believes that there’s a paternal relationship with our leaders and people are comfortable with the style they grew up with.

    But I don’t think that answers the question entirely. There are some strange coalitions, long-held patterns and possibly a lot of magical thinking that seem to also be factoring in. Either way, your points about how they can lead are fascinating. Thanks for a great essay!

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    1. You’re welcome, Wynne, and thank you so much for your comments. I don’t think Robert Reich is correct, I think it’s closer to what you said. There are definitely coalitions that share the same sentiment, are well-organized, and have a robust information campaign (or disinformation). I’m more in the Barbara Kellerman camp. She explains that bad leaders are, in most cases, supported by bad followers. The same can be said of toxic leaders. They are definitely supported by toxic followers or, at a minimum, by followers with negative tendencies.

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  15. Such an important post, Edward…thank you so much. I read last night and returned this morning. So many truths found in one place. I think it’s important to lean into friends and family who exemplify what leadership is supposed to be, and you certainly do that for us here on WordPress.
    When you wrote about the current climate and endless examples of supposed “leadership” — altogether “rushed, irrational, and lacking thoughtful consideration” I nodded and nodded. Lunacy.
    Your words and perspective instill hope. Thank you for that! 💕

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  16. Well done, Edward! You’ve encapsulated the issue at hand with flying colors and stimulated wonderful feedback. While I’m appalled at the toxic and frightening leadership we have right now; I look around and am more appalled by the ones that put them here! It’s mind blowing to me!
    🩷

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    1. The last part of your message is what concerns me the most. Toxic leadership is everywhere, and sometimes there’s not much we can do. But like you, I’m more concerned about the people who think that’s okay.

      Thank you so much, my friend.

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  17. Very insightful post, Edward! Unfortunately, toxic leaders abound in our world these days. And what’s worse, in many cases, they are elected by people. It’s really hard to understand how someone deliberately chooses a leader that imposes harm… A lot of conditioning and a lack of awareness are what come to my mind. Let’s hope more of us can see it and start to demand differently. Very timely words, my friend, having in mind the global scenario. A lot to reflect on… Thank you for this call to awareness. Important at this time! Blessings and light your way 🙏✨

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    1. I think you’re right about the conditioning and the lack of awareness, that’s probably a big part of it. Some people share the same qualities as the toxic leader, so there’s an attraction, if you will. I hope for the same thing, that more of us will demand a higher standard for our leaders. Thank you so much, my friend. It’s a blessing to have you here.

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  19. This is such a timely and important reflection. I really appreciate the clarity with which you define toxic leadership—and more importantly, the way you connect it to the broader consequences we’re experiencing as a society. It’s sobering to think about how often we confuse boldness or charisma with true leadership, especially when the long-term damage is so profound. Your question—“If most of us don’t like working for toxic leaders, why do we elect them?”—really hit home. It challenges us to think beyond surface-level appeal and consider the deeper impact of our choices. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about outcomes, but about the way we treat people and shape the future.

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  20. As always, Ed, a very informative and thought-provoking post. So much of it is very descriptive of what’s happening right now. At one point, I thought a certain image was exclusive to the definition. I do believe anyone can change if they truly desire to. The key is that they must want to. I agree with the need to consider who and what we vote for because our decisions do eventually affect us where we are. It is necessary that we keep leadership in our prayers.

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    1. Thank you, Sandra. Change is definitely within reach for those who want it, as you said. But I think there are some harmful leadership traits that won’t change unless a person goes through a major intervention, and even then, some never change. I’ve never seen a toxic leader truly change their behavior. Even after being fired, they often continue with the same mindset.

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      1. You can say I may be an eternal optimist; not naive, just hopeful. I do agree, though. It just makes me sad to think that some people remain toxic, being aware that they are harming others.

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  22. I pointed out to my father (a lifelong republican) that Richard Nixon was corrupt and he didn’t disagree. He really believed the ends justify the means – that the Dems were taking us toward communism and if it took a corrupt man to stop them, so be it. He did soften toward the end of his life.

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    1. That’s a great point. Perceptions are powerful. When I think about communist countries, my mind goes to China, Cuba, and North Korea. What’s interesting to me is that we keep hearing that line about the Democrats, but I’ve never felt that our country was moving toward communism under Democratic presidents.

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  23. Your lists of traits of a toxic leader, their leadership tendencies, and the terrible ways a toxic leader may lead change are spot on. And your question absolutely fits with what many people are familiar with in their careers. Why would they elect a toxic leader if they don’t like working for one?
    Can a toxic leader lead change? While toxic leaders most often create miserable environments, I think sometimes they may inadvertently cause changes, similarly to how good people can emerge from toxic environments. Our country has the potential to rise from this leadership that lacks ethics and empathy, but it requires effort from everyone, regardless of executive orders. Like with any organization, sometimes success can occur because people chose success, despite terrible leadership. Definitely not an ideal situation. The world would be better with thoughtful, kind, strong, straightforward, intelligent leaders who brought people together. But this is what we have to work with now, so we better figure it out. (Unsure if this made sense, it sounded good in my head…)

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    1. Your comment makes perfect sense, Rose. You made some great points, especially the one about good people emerging from toxic environments, so true. We definitely have the potential, and I hope the next president will begin the process of moving us in that direction. I also believe that, at some point, this country needs to move beyond the two-party system. Even though the previous administration wasn’t as bad as the current one, it was still a bad one. We can do better, especially if we’re given more options.

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  24. Synchronicity of thoughts! A few minutes ago, I posted about the same subject, and I hadn’t even read your text. You address a crucial issue about the negative impacts of bad leadership. A relevant text for today’s times. Thank you for sharing this insight with us! Have a good week! 🙂🙏✨✍️📚🧚

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  26. I think you’re guess on why we elect them is a good one. I’m no psychologist, but it’s disassociation. A deep feeling that it “won’t affect me.” When it really does. Love how you frame this piece Edward. I suspect you’ve had some great leaders too. Here’s a future idea for you: I’d love to hear how those leaders took a different approach than Toxic Leadership. Anyway, thanks for the reminder on what real leadership looks like.

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    1. Thank you, Brian. Absolutely! The feeling that it won’t affect me, and I’ll add, until it does, and then it’s too late, is exactly what’s pushing this country down a dangerous path.

      You’re right. I’m probably due to write about the good leaders in my life. I think I’ve mentioned a few sporadically, but they deserve a whole post. Thank you for the suggestion.

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  27. Another post of the highest calibre, Edward. Well researched, well organized, and beautifully articulated. Sadly, I do not believe that toxic leaders can change. Toxic people can change, but once they’re in leadership roles their toxicity seems to flourish, it’s like they’ve been given permission to be nasty.

    Speaking of leadership, we had the pleasure of watching our new givt’s new cabinet being sworn in this afternoon, plus our new prime minister, after which Carney gave a short speech followed by taking questions, both in both our official languages. He was pleasant, personable, and spoke of how important it was to have diversity in the cabinet, in making sure all parts of the country and different experiences are represented at the cabinet table, as well as having gender equality. And he made the point more than once that this government would be governing for all Canadians, not just those who voted Liberal. Supporting unity is right up there with the economy and security. That’s my idea of a non-toxic leaders!

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    1. Thank you, Jane. Let me start with Carney. I was really impressed the first time I saw him on The Daily Show in an interview with Jon Stewart. I told my wife he sounded like a great leader and could probably win an election if he decided to run. He’s now the Prime Minister of Canada, and that’s awesome.

      You’re right about toxic leaders and I don’t think they’re capable of change. I’ve never seen one who truly changed their behavior. I think the best thing we can do is get smarter and not fall for their manipulative talk. I constantly read about people who regret how they voted, and that’s why we need to think carefully before we act.

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        1. Absolutely! With the recent elections in Australia, I was reminded of their compulsory voting. I wonder if that’s what’s needed in the U.S. Maybe people would become more interested that way. I think our turnout last November was like 60%

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        1. Absolutely! Apart from what’s going on in the U.S., the Middle East, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, I’m also following some of the conflicts in Africa, it’s insane. It’s like we’re losing respect for humanity.

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    1. That’s a difficult one, Brad. It’s going to take the citizens of this country taking the education of key societal issues seriously and pushing back on the nonsense. I think that if we continue to educate ourselves about the issues and contribute an informed narrative to the overall discussion, we’ll get there.

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