What is one potential outcome of toxic leadership in a unit?

One potential outcome of toxic leadership in a unit is short-lived results with low morale. Toxic leadership can create an environment where the focus on achieving immediate goals may lead to quick, but unsustainable, success. Leaders who engage in toxic behaviors, such as bullying, micromanaging, or fostering an atmosphere of fear, often achieve short-term results through coercion rather than fostering genuine team cohesion or motivation.

This type of leadership often undermines trust, loyalty, and enthusiasm among team members, which can result in low morale. As individuals become disengaged and dissatisfied, their productivity may suffer, and their willingness to collaborate diminishes. Over time, the negative impacts of toxic leadership can lead to high turnover rates and a decline in overall unit performance, making it clear that while immediate goals may be achieved, they come at the cost of long-term effectiveness and team stability.