Great leadership. There are endless books, articles and podcasts devoted to the topic, all promising to tell you how to become the best version of yourself so that you can bring out the best in others. While some lucky few are natural-born leaders, most others have to work to refine their leadership skills.
What people don’t talk about as often? Bad leaders. Whether they’re arrogant bullies, passive-aggressive jerks or subtle, smiling underminers — a bad boss or terrible so-called mentor can ruin your career and make it difficult to trust others in the future.
That’s why we asked you, What’s the worst interaction you’ve had with a leader? Were they cruel to your face or behind your back? Did they pick on you or on everyone in your organization? Was their bad behavior plain to see or did it take a while to realize how toxic they were? How did you handle the situation and what would you do differently today? Here are your stories:
- After helping put together a merger of three companies and subsequently stepping into a leadership role for a three-year term, the new owner I would be working with pulled me aside and said, “If I’ve ever come across as rude or frustrated it’s just because I’ve never had to pay a woman this much.” I laughed and responded, “Well, you must feel awfully silly that you’ve been missing out on half the talent out there.” But inside I was seething and in shock. Unbelievable then and still today nearly 10 years later.
- Verbal abuse of a sexual nature
Now it’s your turn. Share your stories in the comments below.