What if the traditional view of leadership—an individual who is assertively bold, visionary, and all-powerful—was actually harmful? What if leadership is not about commanding authority but interpersonal relationships, collaboration, self-awareness, and authenticity?
In this episode of the Value Creators Podcast, Hunter Hastings speaks with Josefine Campbell, international business coach and author of 12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader: Unlocking Authenticity for Resilience. Josefine shares how toxic leadership dynamics can damage organizations and individuals—and how employees and leaders alike can protect themselves and build resilience.
Key insights include:
Why the traditional leadership myth is outdated and how a more human-centered approach is needed.
How selfish leaders manipulate employees and erode company culture.
The role of energy management in maintaining resilience against toxic leadership.
Why self-awareness and authenticity are essential for outstanding leadership.
The importance of corporate culture in preventing toxic leadership behaviors.
Practical tools like the Awareness Matrix and Values Lighthouse to help individuals navigate difficult leadership situations.
Whether you’re a leader striving to improve or an employee dealing with a challenging manager, this episode offers valuable tools to foster authenticity, resilience, and ethical leadership. Learn how to protect yourself from toxic leadership and embrace a leadership model that works for the 21st century.
Resources:
Learn What They Didn’t Teach You In Business School: The Value Creators Online Business Course
Visit josefinecampbell.com
Connect with Josefine on LinkedIn
Sign Up To Josefine’s Newsletter
Check Out Josefine’s books:
12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader
Power Barometer: How To Manage Personal Energy For Business Success
Connect with Hunter Hastings on LinkedIn
The Value Creators on Substack
Knowledge Capsule:
1. Rethinking Leadership: Moving Beyond Traditional Views
Traditional leadership is often portrayed as visionary individuals with bold strategies guiding organizations.
This myth creates unrealistic expectations and often leads to toxic leadership styles.
True leadership is more collaborative, human-centered, and rooted in interpersonal relationships.
2. The Role of Personal Presence in Leadership
Leadership is personal—your voice, demeanor, and authenticity impact how people follow you.
Strategies and visions only succeed if they are effectively communicated and embraced by people.
Leadership is not about enforcing authority but about inspiring and motivating individuals.
3. The Persistence of Hierarchy in Business Organizations
Despite experiments with alternative structures, hierarchy remains the dominant organizational model.
Matrix structures, self-managed organizations, and agile methods have been explored but come with their own challenges.
Future organizational models need to balance flexibility with the need for clarity and coordination.
4. The Pitfalls of Decision-Making in Leadership
Leaders must make tough decisions under uncertainty, often facing disagreement.
Data-driven decision-making is important but insufficient; intuition and empathy play critical roles.
Leaders must navigate complex trade-offs and avoid becoming emotionally detached.
5. The Problem of Selfish Leadership in Organizations
Some leaders prioritize personal gain over team success, leading to manipulation and toxic work environments.
Selfish leaders lack genuine empathy but can be highly strategic in influencing others.
They negatively impact company culture, employee engagement, and long-term business performance.
6. The Impact of Selfish Leadership on Team Members
Employees often feel trapped in toxic leadership environments, leading to stress and disengagement.
Recognizing manipulative behaviors is crucial to protecting personal well-being.
Employees can develop resilience and coping strategies to navigate difficult leadership dynamics.
7. Managing Energy as a Defense Against Toxic Leadership
Energy management is essential for resilience, as dealing with selfish leaders is emotionally draining.
Leaders and employees must maintain energy balance through rest, nutrition, and positive activities.
Recognizing personal energy levels helps individuals stay focused and avoid burnout.
8. The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership
Self-awareness is a key factor in effective leadership and emotional intelligence.
Leaders who reflect on their behaviors and decisions foster healthier work environments.
Employees can use self-awareness to recognize when they are being manipulated and respond accordingly.
9. The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership
Authentic leaders align their actions with their values and beliefs.
Discovering and embracing core values helps leaders make better decisions and inspire others.
Authenticity fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term effectiveness in leadership roles.
10. Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership
Leaders often face situations where they must compromise values or make morally challenging decisions.
Understanding one’s values and ethical boundaries is crucial for maintaining integrity.
Having the moral courage to stand by ethical principles is essential for long-term success.
11. Corporate Culture as a Defense Against Toxic Leadership
Organizations must establish clear behavioral norms and expectations for leaders.
Companies with well-defined cultural values (e.g., IKEA, Novo Nordisk) are more resistant to toxic leadership.
Aligning leadership evaluations with company culture ensures accountability.
12. Practical Tools for Overcoming Toxic Leadership
Tools like the Awareness Matrix help individuals navigate difficult leadership dynamics.
The Values Lighthouse Exercise aids in identifying and prioritizing personal values.
Developing self-awareness, adaptability, and resilience helps individuals manage workplace challenges effectively.
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