Why Most Leaders Suck (And How to Make Sure You're Not One of Them)!

Let’s Just Say It: Most People Quit Their Leaders… Not Their Jobs

If you're in a leadership position, this should stop you in your tracks.

I’ve watched it happen over and over again. Talented people leave—not because they can’t handle the work, but because they can’t handle the culture. The micromanagement. The power plays. The lack of basic human decency.

And let’s be real—I’ve been there too. I’ve had bosses who drained the life out of me.

That experience is what inspired my book, Beyond the Ordinary Leader: The No-Suck Leadership Manifesto. Because the truth is…

We don’t need more people with titles. We need more people with purpose.

We need people-first leaders who lead with clarity, courage, and intention—and who actually give a damn about the people following them.

The Top 5 Signs of Bad Leadership

If you’ve ever worked under someone who made you question your sanity, these will hit close to home. These are the most common reasons why bad leadership drives good people away:

1. They talk more than they listen.

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. Leaders who don’t listen miss opportunities and silence the brilliance around them.

2. They lead with ego, not intention.

If your need to be right outweighs your desire to serve, you’re not leading. You’re performing.

3. They mistake fear for respect.

Intimidation might get compliance in the short term, but trust and loyalty can’t be fear-based. Real respect is earned, not demanded.

4. They avoid hard conversations.

Avoidance isn’t kindness—it’s confusion. Tough conversations handled with care are the backbone of trust.

5. They forget people are people.

Behind every title is a human being. Effective leaders don’t just manage performance—they care about the person behind it.

What Does a No-Suck Leader Actually Look Like?

Let’s flip the script. Here's what great leadership looks like—the kind that creates trust, builds teams, and drives real results:

• ✅ They communicate clearly and consistently, even when it's uncomfortable.

• ✅ They make space for others to grow—and sometimes let others lead.

• ✅ They own their mistakes and lead with humility. Accountability is non-negotiable.

• ✅ They see their team as people first, employees second.

• ✅ They build trust through actions, not charisma.

These aren’t optional extras—they’re essential. If you want to be a better leader, this is your blueprint.

Pop Quiz: Are You Becoming the Leader You’d Want to Work For?

Ask yourself:

• Do people feel safe bringing me bad news?

• Do I regularly ask for feedback—and act on it?

• Do I make space for others to grow, even if it means I’m not the smartest person in the room?

• Do I leave people better than I found them?

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If you hesitated—even once—that’s okay. Awareness is the first step. Growth comes next.

Because great leadership is built, one decision, one moment, and one conversation at a time.

Ready to Go Beyond the Ordinary Leader?

If you're ready to stop checking boxes and start leading in a way that actually matters, it’s time.

📘 Grab your copy of Beyond the Ordinary Leader: The No-Suck Leadership Manifesto and join a movement that’s rewriting what leadership looks like—for good.