Toxic Achievers

A well-meaning CEO once told me, “I know he’s trouble, but he gets results our shareholders love. How do I let him go when we have big revenue goals to reach?” It’s a bind many leaders face: short-term wins tugging against long-term health. Toxic rock stars shine bright today, sure, but the fallout — attrition, disengaged teams, lagging productivity, a tarnished reputation — creeps in slow and heavy.

The struggle often ties back to an old “boys club” mindset, shielding high performers while diverse talent wilts and toxic cultures dig in, chipping away at the bottom line. Today’s world demands a shift — leaders must evolve how they lead. When they can’t, they risk not just their companies but their own paths too.

Toxic leadership quietly fuels low morale, high turnover, and stunted growth — a hidden rot pushing businesses into mediocrity. Employees feel unseen, unsupported, and stuck. The A-players bolt for greener pastures; others cling to a sinking ship. These toxic achievers, often blind to their own style, come in shades — some loud, some subtle. They point fingers everywhere but inward, making excuses when good folks leave, convinced the team’s better off without them.
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It’s not just a C-suite problem — toxicity seeps through every level.  It's an overlooked threat to success. Toxic achievers are like a large black walnut tree – it produces pounds and pounds of walnuts, but nothing else can grow near the tree due to the toxicity of its leaves and root system.  They produce, but nothing else lives.   

​At Dudash Executive Coaching, I help leaders see this — and grow beyond it. Ready to rethink what thrives?
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