Institutional Inertia or Toxic Leaders, which is doing more damage to the DoD?

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:53:34 -0500

We know how a bad leader can set back even the best of units. We also know that some units have a reputation for excellence (deserved or not).

Your opinion, can a toxic leader tank an esteemed unit?

Can a superior commander turn around a bad unit?

Which does more damage to the military over time?

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 9 at 2013 4:56 PM

SFC Rocky Gannon — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:56:06 -0500

Chief I think a toxic leader can kill any unit including a poor performing one. A good leader can also by not hold the standards thinking everyone will do the right thing. I believe over time a toxic leader will do more damage as good leaders will see their shortfalls and correct their actions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 5:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 17:15:35 -0500

I agree with SFC Gannon. I had one of those toxic leaders and he didn't last long in his command. Higher got tired and they got rid of him.

Response by SPC William Wambolt made Dec 11 at 2013 4:46 AM

SPC William Wambolt — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 04:46:46 -0500

Chief, all are good questions. Toxicity of leaders anywhere definitely brings down morale and productivity, which are the "cornerstones" to the well-being of Military units as well as Civilian organizations. These toxic leaders destroy everything they come into contact with overtime including themselves as SSG Pawl Przszlowski has indicated.

A superior commander can only do as much as others in the chain will let him/her. But, overtime the superior commander can affect the unit by continuously and relentlessly setting the standards gaining the trust confidence of those he/she commands.

Toxicity (negatives) always spread quicker and cause much more damage than (positives) overtime.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 3:24 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 03:24:54 -0400

Yes absolutely. It fosters a bad command climate. This gets filtered down to the rest and can cause other potential problems and morale issues. It will cause good people to stop caring and want to leave. It effects every function of the unit.

I am a contractor for a unit that has a stellar reputation for providing top quality virtual simulation exercises for the DOD. This unit has the worst morale I have ever experienced. Our issues are that the squadron commander was fired for undisclosed reasons. We have GS-13 staff that have no problem usurping the authority of the active duty. The AD AF personnel are not happy and the attitudes get filtered to the contractor staff which also is in shambles. a lot of people put up with it to a certain point with the bad economy, but at some point people have had enough. The mission succeeds for now but we have already lost 4 highly trained engineers who had many years of service in the building. Eventually as more people leave it will not function as well as it did and eventually not provide the service it once did. The contractors are quitting and the AD are just biding time until their next PCS.

Yes I do believe a good personal flush and getting rid of the bad apples and put in place a better commander that will lead the organization and bring back the team spirit the place can turn around. Otherwise it might as well fall into a sink hole.