Toxic Leader In The Army

Every Soldier is the Army is expected to live up to seven Army values namely loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage. A toxic leader is anyone who does not live up to Army Values and instead does everything opposite of it. A toxic leader is someone who always puts himself and his needs before his Soldiers, subordinates or anyone. A toxic leader does not respect peers or Soldiers who work for him. A toxic leader may lack integrity and not always do what is legally and morally right, especially when no is watching. A toxic leader is anyone who abuses his power over his seniors, peers and subordinates. Some of the traits of toxic leader are
1). Does not lead with example
Toxic is someone

Someone who sends email with no signature block describing contact information. Someone who shy’s away from responsibility by not answering phone or email in a timely manner or is bad in general with communication.
4). Incompetent
Toxic leaders can be incompetent both technically and tactically. Someone who is incapable of resolving the issues of his or her Soldiers in a timely manner. Toxic leaders lack the courage to give feedback to Soldiers and fail to communicate that they could not get the work done in a timely manner. Incompetent behavior leads to overall inefficiency in the organization. (“Army Regulation 600-100,” 2017)
5). Lack Self-control
As a leader, it is very important to have self-control and stay cool especially when the pressure is high. As a Non Commissioned Officer (NCO), junior enlisted Soldiers are always watching, how you handle the situation and that's how they learn, grow and motivate. Having discipline and self-control is essential for smooth running of organization and self-growth. Toxic leaders lack self-control and discipline, not ready to apologize for their own mistakes instead blame everyone else around

If the respect fades away in any relationship be it at work or home that is sure signs of failure coming soon. Toxic leaders tend not to respect, especially the junior enlisted Soldiers in the Army. Respect goes both ways. You as a leader have to earn the respect. Proper respect will bring pride in Soldiers which in turn strengthen the organization.
7). Micro Management
In my Army life so far I had lots of good and bad leaders. I have always respected leaders who let us have control over our small section and held us accountable for it. Micro management is a big sign of lack of trust in organization. Toxic leaders can be micro managing every single move and definitely hinders the professional growth of a Soldiers. Micro management can be seen in a detachment level where there is constant meetings and briefings every few hours. Or when the information is put out to Soldiers directly and not the squad leaders, thus eliminating the Chain of Command.
8). Ownership
One of the best piece of advice my First Sergeant gave me was, take ownership of anything and everything you do. Take the good and bad comes along with it. Toxic leaders tends to take ownership only when it benefits them. (“8 Symptoms of Toxic Command Climate,”