How to save Toxic Leaders: Dotty Posto

Fixing Toxic Leadership: How to Coach Difficult Leaders Back on Track Leadership Challenges: When High Performers Push People Away

Episode 242 ( Dotty is based in Milwaukee. Repeat of episode 192)

In this conversation we explore:

1. The challenges of leadership development – Why some leaders struggle despite their experience.
2. How organizations decide whether to invest in leadership coaching – What factors indicate a leader is worth saving.
3. Why high performers can still be destructive – The hidden costs of results-driven leadership.
4. The most common toxic leadership behaviors – Overpowering, micromanaging, dismissing feedback, and creating fear.
5. How personal triggers affect leadership style – The role of stress, past experiences, and subconscious reactions.
6. The power of feedback and self-awareness – How leaders can recognize and change harmful behaviors.
7. The role of gender in leadership feedback – How women are often labeled "too aggressive" or "too emotional."
8. How to foster constructive workplace conflict – Encouraging open discussion without personal attacks.
9. Strategies for team members dealing with difficult leaders – How colleagues can provide feedback without confrontation.
10. Practical steps for leaders to balance authority with empathy – Tools and techniques for creating a more positive impact.

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About our guest, Dotty Posto:

Dotty Posto helps CEOs and Senior Leaders ignite their stagnant culture to inspire their people to outstanding performance.

Dotty began her coaching and consulting business after working in Organizational Development for Fortune 500 companies such as The Chicago Tribune, Aon-Hewitt and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Dotty’s clients say, through their work with her, they’ve experienced new levels creativity,  effectiveness, and well-being...without the struggle they'd become accustomed to.  

Learn more about Dotty and her services at her website

https://inplainsightinc.com/

You can find a free Energy Assessment and the free videos for Leadership Development.

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Key Learning Points from the Interview

1. Leaders Can Change, But Only If They’re Open to It

   • A company must be committed to supporting a leader’s growth, and the leader must be willing to receive feedback and change.

2. Toxic Behavior in Leaders Often Comes from Personal Triggers

   • Leaders who struggle with workplace interactions are often reacting from a place of personal stress, past experiences, or subconscious triggers.

3. High Performance Doesn’t Justify Poor Behavior

   • A leader may be delivering results, but if they create a toxic environment, the overall impact on the team and company is negative.

4. Common Signs of Poor Leadership

   • Leaders who overpower conversations, micromanage, dismiss feedback, or create fear among their teams.

5. Feedback Culture is Key to Leadership Success

   • Constructive feedback should be built into an organization’s culture, ensuring leaders receive honest input and can adjust accordingly.

6. The Power of Self-Observation and Accountability

   • Leaders must recognize their own patterns of behavior and work with trusted colleagues for real-time feedback.

7. Emotions Play a Role in Leadership, But Shouldn’t Control It

   • Women, in particular, often receive conflicting feedback (too aggressive vs. too emotional), and they need to find their own authentic balance.

8. Leaders Must Learn to Separate Issues from Individuals

   • Workplace debates should be about the idea, not the person. Leaders must be skilled at discussing disagreements without making th