The Side Effects of Aggressive Leadership: Undermining Collaboration

Aggressive and combative leadership signals that success is a zero sum game, leading people to believe they must compete and ensure others fail in order to succeed. This undermines collaboration at every level in the organization. Leaders who are determined to be in charge and prioritize their own success make it difficult for people to work together and become more than the sum of their parts. As a role model, leaders set the tone for whether the world is a zero sum game or if collaboration can make everyone better. Trusting and delegating authority to others is crucial in promoting collaboration and enhancing productivity.