Dysfunctional leaders suffocate others with coercive power and ego, are unpredictable, and often lack self–awareness about their dysfunction. Dysfunctional leaders are incredibly difficult to work with and can cause a series of cascading personal consequences for employees who work with them. This Perspectives in Human Resource Development essay details a proposed spiral of dysfunction as well as practical strategies for overcoming the wounds of working underneath a dysfunctional leader. Strategies include personal boundary setting, knowing emotional triggers, and building social support, among others.
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