Narrowing the definition of leaders to those individuals who have only a positive influence becomes problematic when evaluating their “influence” over time and across the many individuals/groups one leader could affect. Subscribers to this line of thinking would argue that toxic leaders are not leaders at all.
They first refute the idea that leadership by definition is only a “positive force,” where “positive” would mean using human energy and resources to influence others to create a desired result. Kaiser in their article titled “The Toxic Triangle: Destructive Leaders, Susceptible Followers, and Conducive Environments.” 2 The authors evaluate conflicting and competing language in the work of previous authors, psychologists, and social scientists. The definition we will use is presented by Art Padilla, Robert Hogan, and Robert B. Air Force Reserve security forces members participate in 6-day combat leaders course while living in field conditions, placing practical application of combat maneuvers into complex mission environments (U.S.
