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CENTER FOR ARMY LEADERSHIP

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COUNTERPRODUCTIVE LEADERSHIP

Addressing issues that impact readiness is a priority for the Army and its senior leaders. The Army has identified toxic leadership as one issue that negatively impacts readiness. However, the term “toxic” has become a buzzword, and there is a lack of shared understanding about its meaning. Therefore, the Army coined the term “counterproductive leadership,” which is more comprehensive than the label of toxic leadership and emphasizes observable behaviors (versus leader intent). Army leaders should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify when counterproductive leadership is occurring, assess why and when it occurs, and address it productively. To this end, CAL has developed a Leader Professional Development resource, which includes all of the materials needed to conduct an in-person group session. In addition, leaders can access self-study materials that can be completed online.