Lack of Leadership, Lack of Results
Absentee, or laissez-faire, leaders abdicate their responsibilities and fail to provide guidance, direction, or feedback to subordinates. Subsequently, subordinates feel frustrated and confused. They also become less motivated to perform exemplary work or stay with the organization.
We recently created an absentee leadership scale to help organizations avoid this form of toxic leadership. Initial results suggest absentee leaders seldom engage subordinates, promote innovation, communicate effectively, or hold others accountable. They do not drive for results or positive organizational change. These behaviors can be devastating for organizations in the long-term.