IS TOXIC LEADERSHIP DESTROYING SHP IN THE MODERN ERA?
by Felix Hamdaan Oltomo There is a growing incidence of toxic leadership in organisations across the world. This is clear from anecdotal evidence as well as research which suggests that one out of every five leaders is toxic. My own research shows that close to three out of every ten leaders are toxic. This cancer of toxicity threatens the well being of both individuals and organisations. It also affects the performance of a society and country. That’s why there is a pressing need for leaders to understand the nature, dynamics and evolution of toxic leadership and organisations. The word “toxic” comes from the Greek “toxikon” which means “arrow poison”. In a literal sense, the term in its original form thus means to kill (poison) in a targeted way (arrow). Toxic organisations and leaders, therefore, are those who deliberately destroy the fabric of the institution. What makes a toxic leader? and Why? Toxic leadership represents the “dark” side of leadership. It affects indi