5 of the most toxic command traits

We all know it is our duty to fix problems the best we can.

Afraid to hear no

Orders must be followed in the military. However, there will be times where the desired outcome is not physically possible, or is just a really bad idea.

The “zero failure mentality” can lead to corners being cut, gundecking (falsifying reports, or records), and compromise. Leaders have to be able to understand their troops are human, and not magicians.

If a leader’s ego is too fragile to understand there are human limitations, people can get hurt or killed. If something cannot be accomplished, accountability falls on the planner and supervisor.

“This is how we’ve always done it”

Just because you inherited a goat rope doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it the same way. Leaders love to say, “improvise, adapt, and overcome” until it applies to finding a better solution to a problem they’ve become complacent in solving.

The best leaders understand the difference between effectively improving your position, and re-inventing the wheel for the sake of looking busy.

Leading from comfort

Leaders are expected to place themselves at the point of friction. However, many loose touch with the pulse of the unit while concerning themselves more with their next evaluation.

After all, a leader cannot expect to be respected, if they are afraid to get dirty.

Double standard

If a high ranking person is excused from the same offense a lower ranking person was crushed for, you have a double standard. I understand the importance of forgiveness, but unbalanced scales will breed resentment.

Toxic leaders believe the rules do not apply to them, and forget they are expected to set the example.

“You got paid today, didn’t you?”

A subordinate should not be expected to use money from their paycheck to facilitate poor planning by their leadership. If a leader wants an absurd amount of esoteric items on the packing list, they are responsible for providing them. They is absolutely zero reason for a leader to feel entitled to their troop’s paycheck.