The Value Creators Podcast Episode #58. How to Recognize and Overcome Selfish Leadership: A Conversation with Josefine Campbell

What if the traditional view of leadership—an individual who is assertively bold, visionary, and all-powerful—was actually harmful? What if leadership is not about commanding authority but interpersonal relationships, collaboration, self-awareness, and authenticity?

In this episode of the Value Creators Podcast, Hunter Hastings speaks with Josefine Campbell, international business coach and author of 12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader: Unlocking Authenticity for Resilience. Josefine shares how toxic leadership dynamics can damage organizations and individuals—and how employees and leaders alike can protect themselves and build resilience.

Key insights include:

• Why the traditional leadership myth is outdated and how a more human-centered approach is needed.
• How selfish leaders manipulate employees and erode company culture.
• The role of energy management in maintaining resilience against toxic leadership.
• Why self-awareness and authenticity are essential for outstanding leadership.
• The importance of corporate culture in preventing toxic leadership behaviors.
• Practical tools like the Awareness Matrix and Values Lighthouse to help individuals navigate difficult leadership situations.

Whether you’re a leader striving to improve or an employee dealing with a challenging manager, this episode offers valuable tools to foster authenticity, resilience, and ethical leadership. Learn how to protect yourself from toxic leadership and embrace a leadership model that works for the 21st century.

Resources:

➡️ Learn What They Didn’t Teach You In Business School: The Value Creators Online Business Course

Visit josefinecampbell.com

Connect with Josefine on LinkedIn

Sign Up To Josefine’s Newsletter

Check Out Josefine’s books:

12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader

Power Barometer: How To Manage Personal Energy For Business Success

Connect with Hunter Hastings on LinkedIn

The Value Creators on Substack

Knowledge Capsule:

1. Rethinking Leadership: Moving Beyond Traditional Views

• Traditional leadership is often portrayed as visionary individuals with bold strategies guiding organizations.
• This myth creates unrealistic expectations and often leads to toxic leadership styles.
• True leadership is more collaborative, human-centered, and rooted in interpersonal relationships.

2. The Role of Personal Presence in Leadership

• Leadership is personal—your voice, demeanor, and authenticity impact how people follow you.
• Strategies and visions only succeed if they are effectively communicated and embraced by people.
• Leadership is not about enforcing authority but about inspiring and motivating individuals.

3. The Persistence of Hierarchy in Business Organizations

• Despite experiments with alternative structures, hierarchy remains the dominant organizational model.
• Matrix structures, self-managed organizations, and agile methods have been explored but come with their own challenges.
• Future organizational models need to balance flexibility with the need for clarity and coordination.

4. The Pitfalls of Decision-Making in Leadership

• Leaders must make tough decisions under uncertainty, often facing disagreement.
• Data-driven decision-making is important but insufficient; intuition and empathy play critical roles.
• Leaders must navigate complex trade-offs and avoid becoming emotionally detached.

5. The Problem of Selfish Leadership in Organizations

• Some leaders prioritize personal gain over team success, leading to manipulation and toxic work environments.
• Selfish leaders lack genuine empathy but can be highly strategic in influencing others.
• They negatively impact company culture, employee engagement, and long-term business performance.

6. The Impact of Selfish Leadership on Team Members

• Employees often feel trapped in toxic leadership environments, leading to stress and disengagement.
• Recognizing manipulative behaviors is crucial to protecting personal well-being.
• Employees can develop resilience and coping strategies to navigate difficult leadership dynamics.

7. Managing Energy as a Defense Against Toxic Leadership

• Energy management is essential for resilience, as dealing with selfish leaders is emotionally draining.
• Leaders and employees must maintain energy balance through rest, nutrition, and positive activities.
• Recognizing personal energy levels helps individuals stay focused and avoid burnout.

8. The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership

• Self-awareness is a key factor in effective leadership and emotional intelligence.
• Leaders who reflect on their behaviors and decisions foster healthier work environments.
• Employees can use self-awareness to recognize when they are being manipulated and respond accordingly.

9. The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

• Authentic leaders align their actions with their values and beliefs.
• Discovering and embracing core values helps leaders make better decisions and inspire others.
• Authenticity fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term effectiveness in leadership roles.

10. Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership

• Leaders often face situations where they must compromise values or make morally challenging decisions.
• Understanding one’s values and ethical boundaries is crucial for maintaining integrity.
• Having the moral courage to stand by ethical principles is essential for long-term success.

11. Corporate Culture as a Defense Against Toxic Leadership

• Organizations must establish clear behavioral norms and expectations for leaders.
• Companies with well-defined cultural values (e.g., IKEA, Novo Nordisk) are more resistant to toxic leadership.
• Aligning leadership evaluations with company culture ensures accountability.

12. Practical Tools for Overcoming Toxic Leadership

• Tools like the Awareness Matrix help individuals navigate difficult leadership dynamics.
• The Values Lighthouse Exercise aids in identifying and prioritizing personal values.
• Developing self-awareness, adaptability, and resilience helps individuals manage workplace challenges effectively.