The Silent Killer of Leadership: A Key Red Flag to Watch For

Great leadership inspires, motivates, and builds trust. But bad leadership? It can unravel a team faster than you’d think. In his recent Inc.com article, Marcel Schwantes highlights one glaring red flag that reveals poor leadership in an instant: a lack of accountability. When leaders dodge responsibility—blaming others, making excuses, or ignoring their own missteps—it’s a neon sign of trouble. Schwantes points out that this behavior doesn’t just erode trust; it creates a ripple effect, undermining morale and productivity across the board.

Good leaders own their actions, even when it’s uncomfortable. They step up, admit fault, and focus on solutions rather than finger-pointing.

So, how do you spot this “silent killer” in action? Look for leaders who consistently deflect criticism, fail to follow through on promises, or spin narratives to avoid owning up to reality. It’s a subtle but sure signal that ego is trumping integrity. (see my prior blog on ego here) Schwantes emphasizes that accountability isn’t just about taking the fall—it’s about building a culture where honesty and growth outweigh pride. The best leaders don’t see admitting mistakes as a weakness but as a chance to model resilience and set the tone for their teams. If a leader can’t do that, they’re not leading—they’re just occupying a title.

This red flag matters because it’s contagious. When a leader shirks accountability, it trickles down, creating a team where excuses replace effort, and blame becomes the norm—on the flip side, fostering accountability starts with self-awareness—something every leader can cultivate with practice. Ask yourself: Are you showing your team what it looks like to own your decisions? Are you creating space for them to do the same? Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. And progress starts with looking in the mirror.

Take a moment to reflect: Are you modeling accountability for your team? Because when it comes to leadership, what you do speaks louder than what you say.