Destructive Leadership is Real

Here is How to Spot it

Destructive leadership at work is a reality many folks experience every day. I know this because my clients tell me about it every day. It’s not just about poor management, it’s about negative behaviors that erode trust and damage careers.

It’s a common form of workplace abuse and especially covert abuse because it’s easy to gaslight yourself into thinking it’s all “in your head”. Nobody wants to admit their boss may be actively trying to push them out or sabotaging them. But it happens.

Let's break it down with some real-life examples from my clients.

➡️ The Boss Who Rewrites History
This is the leader who constantly shifts the narrative to justify their own actions. They’ll twist events, taking credit for your wins and blaming you for any missteps. In meetings, they subtly reframe situations so that the story always favors them, leaving you feeling isolated and responsible for problems that weren’t yours.

➡️ The Whisper / Smear Campaign
This leader operates in the shadows, spreading rumors and sowing seeds of doubt about your abilities. They cultivate an environment of gossip where your reputation is slowly undermined; performance reviews can even be sabotaged. It’s a dangerous psychological assault that leaves you questioning your value and your sanity.

➡️ Excluding and Undermining You
Some destructive leaders make a habit of talking with your direct reports, without including you in key meetings or decision-making processes. This deliberate exclusion not only alienates you but also sabotages your ability to perform effectively because you're left out of crucial discussions.

➡️ The Weak Boss Who “Doesn’t Like Conflict”
This leader avoids confrontation at all costs, so when things go wrong, they’re nowhere to be found. Rather than addressing issues or standing up for you, they hide behind vague excuses. When you need support, you’re left to fend for yourself, which reinforces a sense of abandonment and fuels the destructive cycle.

Destructive leadership can be extremely harmful to it’s important to recognize the signs and take action before you get sick. If your body is screaming at you, if you’re anxious, isolated, or feeling like you’re constantly battling against an unseen enemy, know that you are not alone. You deserve to work in an environment that respects you, values your input, and stands by you. And you deserve and advocate who really gets you and can help.

Are you experiencing any of these signs? Let’s talk about how you can reclaim your power and create an exit strategy that works for you. I call it Escape Planning.

Start here: www.workplacetraumalawyer.com