Charisma Leader | Serving and empowering church leaders

Toxic leadership can have a destructive effect on an organization.
Toxic leadership can have a destructive effect on an organization. (Flickr)

The potential for a leader to become toxic in working with others grows as a function of time. The longer a leader serves the same group of followers, the more likely it is that a bully will appear.

New leaders usually enter the organization with a servant's attitude and a nice dose of humility. Over time, the success of a leader can lead to the development of narcissism and the onset of bullying. Sycophants feed the bully and the atmosphere for toxic leadership can grow and fester.

Organizational research has found that nearly half of the U.S. workforce reports the presence of a bully-boss. A work place bully can come in different sizes and shapes. A bully usually lives in a fantasy accented by ambivalence and hypocrisy. A favorite weapon of a bully is threatening behavior, public humiliation and tantrum tossing.  Various forms of ostracism are also favorite weapons.

Effective leaders will constantly review personal behavior. The quickest cure for bullying activities is for the leader to take long looks in a reflecting pond. A mirror will do in a pinch. But ponds are better for a quick refresher course.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Look for the appearance of ANY of these signs as an indicator it may be time for leader repentance:

  • Intimidation: Jesus taught meekness.
  • Shouting: Jesus healed with a whisper.
  • Name calling: Jesus called us children.
  • Cruel sarcasm: Ephesians 4:29
  • Stealing Credit: Jesus loved the back of the line.

We know that hurting people hurt people. Hurting leaders have inherent power to hurt many.

Toxic leadership begins in the heart. Leaders, pray that your heart condition be revealed. Duplicitous behavior is rarely accidental.

Toxic relief is available in Scripture. 

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders