THE SHITTY LEADERSHIP SERIES - FREE SHIT TO READ
When Shitty Leaders Choose Revenge Over Growth: A Guide to Not Giving a Damn
Ah, the fragile ego of a shitty leader. It's like a toddler throwing a tantrum in a grocery store because they can't have the sugary cereal. Instead of wailing on the floor, they go on a full-blown smear campaign, determined to prove that you're the problem.
We try to help these types, offering insights, feedback, maybe even a gentle push toward self-awareness. But instead, they double down, rejecting growth like a cat rejects a new bed in favour of the cardboard box it came in.
For a leader entrenched in their own narcissism and insecurities, admitting they have room for improvement is like admitting defeat. Their entire sense of self depends on the illusion that they are already amazing, already wise, already "leading" effectively—even as their employees secretly fantasize about their dramatic resignation.
So, instead of hearing your well-intentioned (and, let's be honest, accurate) feedback, they take the path of least resistance: attack mode.
"How dare you question my leadership?!"
"You're just jealous/incompetent/a troublemaker!"
"Let me make sure everyone knows YOU'RE the problem, not me!"
Ah yes, the classic leadership move—scapegoating their critics instead of reflecting on their own shortcomings. Textbook Shitty Leader 101.
While they're busy brewing their petty revenge plots, the world keeps turning. We keep evolving, leading, and building workplaces that people actually want to be a part of. Meanwhile, they're still splashing around in their own personal shit pool, trying to convince everyone that it smells like roses. Spoiler alert: it doesn't.
Being on the receiving end of these alleged adult behaviours is not easy. Non-shitty leaders are often truth-seekers—when you can openly admit fault, take accountability, and learn from the errors, that's empowering. It builds confidence, and it's these behaviours that the revenge seekers would kill for. They slander your intentions to hide their shortcomings—leadership murder to the nth degree.
Once you engage your coping strategies and realize this is all about them, rise above and move on because you can take your losses like a champ, knowing that you tried. You cannot force the shitty out of someone.
So, what do you do when a shitty leader dedicates themselves to slandering, attacking, or undermining you simply because you pointed out the painfully obvious? Simple. Nothing.
Let them waste their time. Let them dig their own leadership pool of despair. Because here's the reality:
Employees know who the real problem is.
The best talent always walks away from toxic environments.
Reputation matters, and bad leaders always get found out.
In the end, they stay stuck in the cycle of their own bullshit, while you move forward, unbothered, and thriving. That's the real win.
So, to those of you who chose growth, who refused to stay stuck in a toxic cesspool of denial and fragile egos—this article is for you.
And to the shitty leaders who still don't get it? Enjoy your swim.
