Truly toxic leadership always ends badly. This is a type of leadership distinguished by a lack of humility to see and respond to their own failings. Sure, there are "grey" leaders who might be too harsh or somewhere along the line of narcisissm, but they respond to confrontation with thoughtfulness and a willingness to work on their leadership skills. But toxic leadership does not possess this humility.
1st Corinthians 1 says so many things to leaders as well as subordinates in Christian organizations. It speaks of calling and of wisdom and of foolishness and of power and of weakness and of arrogance—all of which are related to leadership and those who follow.
What makes a leader good is not that he simply rejects prevailing political approaches, speaks his mind, displays power, or brings wealth and fortune to an organization. However, what is fundamental to good leadership is someone who has skills, humility, and cares for the needs of others, particularly the vulnerable.
Nearly a year and a half ago, Anders Örtenblad reached out to me because he was interested in my doctoral research. As a result, I wrote a chapter for "The Oxford Handbook of Bad Leadership" edited by Anders. It is finally about to come out!
To some Christians, the choice of whether to stay under a toxic leader in the home, workplace, or organization is not a question. They may consider leaving, but the go-to is a belief that God has called them to suffer for Christ’s sake. I assure them, their consciences are not bound by Scripture.
Clearly, according to a survey/study done in Sweden bad leadership is not under every rock. Only 42% of those surveyed don’t trust their company’s management team. Is the glass half full?
Like in domestic abuse research, there is debate as to the malleability of abusive people in leadership. I would guess that in most people's experience, there is little hope for such change.
Often the focus of Bible teaching—when it comes to leadership and followership—is on the follower. In particular, the focus is on being submissive more often than not. I understand that. However, Scripture also speaks to those in authority.
May Easter bring leadership transformation.
This is Good Friday. It is called "good" for a good reason. Because of the resurrection of Jesus for the rescue of mankind. But have you ever considered what brought on the darkness of this day that leads to that day? Toxic leadership!
How do we view the world around us? And more specifically, how do we view our “enemies”, particularly those who have abused their authority and deeply wounded those who work under their authority?
I would like to share with you a new spiritual abuse support group that my friend, Aaron Hann is starting.
Pharisaism cannot be mollified. Paul, nor Jesus, ever makes excuses for it. Pharisaic teaching and practice are destructive.
The king sat down to his royal feast with some of his closest advisers. His power was felt by all who sat with him. Yet, the king knew that he was going to be betrayed by one of those advisers. His secret service had uncovered the plot. He knew an overthrow of his kingdom was at hand. So, what was he to do? We know what we would do. We know what a "worldly" leader would do. He/we would do everything possible to strengthen our claim to the throne. We would put down the rebellion before it had any chance to gain a foothold, knowing the traitor and his intent. But Jesus . . .
As my friends and I discussed John 11, I was struck by verses 47 and 48. These couple sentences are so appropo for those who have faced abuse in any setting. The term "Crazy-Making" is often used to describe this infurtiating experience. Jesus has just raised his friend, Lazarus from the dead. And yet, this is what the chief priests and Pharisees said!