10 Red Flags: How to spot toxic leadership

An individual in a leadership role without the right skills can make work frustrating, drain team energy, and stall employees’ career growth. It is likely that you have experienced toxic leadership somewhere along your career, and now that you are in a leadership role, you do not want to display toxic traits. We can see the impact of poor leadership in the workplace –  it not only affects individuals but also disrupts entire teams, leading to disengagement, low morale, and good staff walking out of the front door. Employees deserve an environment that values their contributions and fosters motivation. With that in mind, here are ten red flags that indicate poor management:

1. Poor Communication

First and foremost, effective leadership starts with clear communication. A manager who struggles to articulate expectations, avoids transparency, or fails to provide constructive feedback creates confusion and inefficiency. Without open dialogue, teams cannot perform at their best.

2. Micromanagement

Also, constant oversight and lack of trust kill creativity and motivation. Micromanagers do not empower their employees but instead control every detail, discouraging independent thinking and innovation.

3. Lack of Empathy

Equally important, a leader who does not understand or care about their team’s challenges creates a toxic work environment. Employees who feel unheard or undervalued will inevitably struggle to stay engaged.

4. Inconsistency

In addition, unpredictable leadership—changing rules, shifting priorities, or playing favourites—breeds insecurity among employees. Stability and consistency build trust and confidence in the workplace.

5. Playing Favourites

Similarly, a manager who gives preferential treatment to certain employees undermines team unity and motivation. Fairness is essential for a healthy, high-performing workplace.

6. Avoiding Responsibility

Moreover, leaders should be accountable for their decisions. A manager who shifts blame to their team instead of owning up to mistakes erodes trust and respect.

7. Lack of Vision

Not only that, but strong leaders inspire and provide direction. Without a clear vision, employees feel lost and unmotivated, leading to disengagement and inefficiency.

8. Ineffective Delegation

Additionally, a good leader knows when and how to delegate. Poor delegation leads to burnout for some employees and idleness for others, creating resentment and inefficiency.

9. Ignoring Employee Development

Another key issue is that a manager who does not invest in training, mentorship, or career growth opportunities limits both individual and company potential. Great leaders foster continuous learning and professional development.

10. Unprofessional Behaviour

Lastly, toxic behaviour—whether it is inappropriate comments, outbursts, or lack of respect—creates a hostile work environment. Professionalism is key to maintaining trust and team cohesion.

Leadership Shapes Workplace Culture

To sum up, toxic management is not just an individual problem; it impacts the entire organisation. Strong leadership is built on trust, vision, and accountability. Employees thrive in environments that value their contributions and support their growth. Great leaders elevate their teams, empower rather than control, and create workplaces where people want to stay and succeed.

If you notice these red flags, do not normalise them. Recognising poor leadership early can help you make informed decisions about your career. After all, the best workplaces lift people up—not bring them down.

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