I want to start by stating why I sometimes use, ‘leader’ and other times use ‘manager’. I believe a Leader is not confined to a duty title, a position, how much money they make or anything else outside of a person – a Leader is someone who does what is right by their heart and by their team. A manager is someone who holds a certain position or was granted some level of authority. Being a manager does not make you a leader, and Leaders are never simply managers.
For the sake of this article and to ensure it contrasts with the sister article ‘Moral Leadership’ I will substitute leader for manager, even though I do not believe managers are leaders. Over-explain much? Yes.
What is immoral leadership? An immoral leader is selfish, blind, greedy, hateful, and in some circumstances, destructive. An immoral leader can be identified by one or more of the below traits:
- They are partial to those they like and go extremely out of their way to bully those they do not. The most obvious of these traits is they zone in on specific groups of people, anyone who doesn’t praise them (or what they would swear as showing them respect), and anyone who doesn’t help them personally. These types of leaders usually suffer from insecurity, feel inadequate and often feel threatened by those around them. Anyone who by their very work ethic or morality shine a light on their lack thereof, is usually first on their hit list.
- They work to undermine the organization. Not to say they blatantly break the rules. They are usually cleverer, and work to turn the organization against anyone who they have deemed their enemy. They usually shroud this hatred in the guise of, “doing the right thing”. This is of course ridiculous because you often find this leader bending rules, shielding their friends, and gossiping behind everyone’s back.
- Self-praise. This is usually the most telling, even if you do not work with this person it is obvious that everything they are involved in (especially if they are given the opportunity to speak) immediately becomes about them. About their experiences, how they helped whoever else make the event happen, or why this event is even better because of their presence. This is also the type of leader that insists on being invited to everything (even when they only show up when convenient) and when they do show up, they are easily offended if the focus isn’t immediately on them. It’s a drain and you can feel it when they do arrive, even if you can’t see them.
How to help you and your team weather these immoral leaders:
PLEASE KNOW – I AM NOT DISCOURAGING YOU FROM FIGHTING IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE WRONGED. I AM SAYING IF YOU ARE A NEW EMPLOYEE, YOU MAY SAVE YOURSELF SOME TROUBLE IF YOU CAN EASILY SWITCH DEPARTMENTS WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR REPUTATION, CAREER AND/OR PAY.
- If you find yourselves in their crosshairs, ensure that other people know, without saying anything out of line. If you feel you are being targeted, share it with other people and keep a journal of the accounts. This may not save you if this person has the power to fire you but may help you review your actions in the future to either fix some behavior if it is partially your fault, or even simply to know you’re not going crazy if these toxic leaders manage to get you in trouble. Your peace of mind is super important in these situations.
- If possible, move out of this person’s department. These types of leaders usually claw their way into position and once they are there, it is very difficult to have them removed. This is true even when their actions are blatantly obvious. It’s very similar to the boss’s nephew scenario. It is often better for you if you can safely move out of their section and continue somewhere else within the department. If you do this early enough, these immoral leaders usually move on to their next victim quickly removing you from the path of destruction. Please see the above text in red – This does not mean to not defend yourself if you’re being attacked.
- If you identify this leader creating problems for coworkers or even trying to undermine their own leadership (which is usually also your leadership) speak with someone with the power to help. This is not a time to hit the water cooler. Immoral leaders often try to make a person they are targeting feel alone by turning other people against them – if you can help without making it worse, do what you can.
- When you are in this person’s organization and must listen to them pat themselves on the back at every opportunity there is very little you can do. Being a narcissist isn’t against the law, regardless of how annoying it is. If this is your personal office birthday party, or a coworker’s retirement ceremony, simply surround yourself with friends, share with them how you feel, and do your best to ignore the oh so annoying utterances of the immoral leader.
At the end of the day, your profession, your work space and your life are not worth trying to be as petty as the immoral leader. Do not stoop to their level, and remind yourself that these types of people, are usually unhappy in life. They create drama because they do not know how else to function. They are disturbed by other people’s success and if allowed will drag a lot of good hearted people down to their level – Misery loves company. Depending on their level of management you may not know how they are being dealt with, but if you work for a good organization I can assure you that someone is holding them accountable. Maintaining your professionalism, holding your ground, and doing what is right usually prevails in the end and so long as you shield your workers and help your peers, you will undoubtedly help yourself and your team weather the storm of an immoral leader.
Leaders Check 