Are You a Toxic Leader Without Realising? | Leadership Coach Joanna Howes

Are you leading your team… or unknowingly holding them back?

In my work as a leadership coach, I’ve seen how easy it is for well-intentioned leaders to fall into toxic patterns, without even realising it.

In this episode, I break down the subtle behaviours that quietly build into toxic leadership. The ones that don’t look harmful on the surface, but over time, create dependency, frustration, and disengagement within your team.

From being the “fixer” to micromanaging, avoiding conflict, or slipping into passive aggression, these are patterns I’ve seen in countless leaders… and ones I’ve had to confront in myself too.

This is not about blame.
It’s about awareness.

Because the moment you can see it, you can change it.

00:00 – Are you a toxic leader without realising it?
00:40 – The toxic leadership pyramid explained
01:10 – The “fixer” trap: helping vs control
02:00 – Why micromanagement limits your team
02:50 – Avoiding conflict and the need to be liked
03:40 – Passive aggression and emotional awareness
04:30 – When toxicity turns into bullying
05:00 – How to recognise and shift these behaviours

This Episode Explores:

• Toxic leadership behaviours
• Micromanagement and control patterns
• Emotional intelligence in leadership
• Workplace bullying awareness
• Leadership self-awareness
• Building empowered teams
• Breaking unconscious habits

Reflection Questions for Leaders

• Where am I over-helping instead of empowering?
• What am I still controlling that I should let go? 
• Which conversation am I avoiding right now?
• Where have I been indirect instead of honest?

If this episode feels uncomfortable, that’s a sign you’re paying attention.

Leadership isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being aware enough to do better.

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