Who is the Abrasive Leader?

chef_toxique
Photo publié dans Le Matin Dimanche, Oct. 28, 2007.

Abrasive leaders’ behavior consciously or unconsciously causes pain to the people in the organization. They give crisp instructions, so as not to be bothered explaining anything to subordinates in detail. They have more important issues to resolve. They have exceptional analytical ability, commanding presence, and incisive minds. In their wake, they promote tough, take-no-prisoners environments, in which everyone had best keep up or get out of the way. Those who cannot keep up are left behind, pushed aside, or stranded, at best, or walked upon and humiliated, at worst.

These abrasive, yet high-performing, leaders inflict pain upon and destroy the self-confidence of those working for them. Their demands for high standards, brilliant capacity to go to the core of any issue, pointed questions, and natural ability to dominate conversation can scarcely be matched by peers, bosses, or subordinates. They will not allow anyone to forget a failing, as illustrated by their ironic comments, rolling of the eyes, and quick, incisive, humiliating remarks, preferably in front of others, to show their superiority. These are all means by which abrasive leaders dominate the arguments they so relish winning. And yet, these devils have a passion for control and a compulsive need for perfectionism which make them constantly battle with their own self-doubt.

By Katrina Burrus, PhD, MCC

Video about Abrasive Leaders:

Le Management Nocif

Managerama TV - Interview par Annika Mansson de Katrina Burrus, PhD, MCC

Articles about Abrasive Leaders:

The Devil Wears Prada: The Toxic Executive - Le chef vénéneux
By Katrina Burrus, PhD, Master Certified Coach

Au chevet des dirigeants "toxiques"
Le Matin -Ivan Radja- octobre 2007

Les dirigeants "toxiques"
Le Temps -Katrina Burrus- janvier 2007