She says that it’s equally important to
differentiate toxic leadership from one
who may simply be burned out. “If the
leader has a hospitality heart and this is
a new behavior resulting from burnout
versus a negative management style,
then top management should address
the leader with care and concern and
accommodate with some much needed
rest to recharge his or her batteries,”
says Bordeaux-Johlfs.
Providing opportunities for leadership
training is another way to turn toxic
bosses into better leaders. “There’s a lot
to be done with interpersonal skills
training to develop them to become a
better leader. You have to identify the
challenges with them and give concrete
examples of the impact. Then, assign a
“There is strength in numbers.
Confiding in someone who 'gets it' can
be healthy and helps to relieve stress
if it is used as a coaching opportunity
to help the situation.”
— JEAN KOLB, Founder, Well by Choice
deadline for improvements—if unmet,
make the decision to cut ties,” she says.
COPING RIGHT
For employees dealing with the daily
reality of working with a toxic boss, it is
good to have a support system to help
you cope through challenging days. “It’s
very important for employees to become
a support system for each other. They
can be cheerleaders and sounding
boards but it’s important to keep the
interactions from becoming a pity party.
Be constructive, don’t complain. Instead,
look for solutions,” Hilling says.
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