We’ve all had THAT boss. The one who micromanages every detail, takes credit for the team’s success but disappears when things go wrong, or creates an environment where people feel unheard and undervalued.

But here’s the real question — are you THAT boss?

It’s easy to point fingers at literally anything but yourself, but what if the work environment you’re struggling with isn’t just about the company, the culture or the people around you? What if it’s time for an honest self-assessment? 

Is It Your Work Environment or Is It You?

Yes, toxic work environments exist. But before jumping to conclusions, ask yourself:

• Do I clearly communicate expectations? If your team is constantly confused, unclear or frustrated, you might not be providing enough clarity. People need to know what success looks like and how to achieve it.
• Am I fostering a culture of growth or fear? Employees should feel encouraged to take risks, make decisions and learn from mistakes — not terrified of making them. A culture of fear stifles innovation, while a culture of growth fuels creativity and engagement.
• Do I listen as much as I talk? Leaders who dominate conversations and ignore feedback create disengaged teams. Great leaders actively listen, value input and make people feel heard.
• Am I setting the standard? Leadership isn’t about demanding excellence — it’s about modeling it. If you want accountability, trust and strong work ethic, you have to demonstrate those behaviors first.
• Do I blame others for problems? A great leader takes responsibility and works toward solutions instead of pointing fingers. Ownership builds trust, while blame erodes morale.

If any of these questions made you pause, that’s a good thing. Self-reflection is the first step toward becoming the leader your team needs.

The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership 

Strong leaders take ownership — not just of wins but also of weaknesses. Self-awareness is the foundation of impactful leadership. It allows you to understand your strengths, recognize your blind spots and continuously grow. Here are some practical ways to increase your self-awareness and lead with purpose.

• Seek Honest Feedback: Don’t wait for annual reviews — actively ask your team and peers for feedback on how your leadership impacts them. Listen without defensiveness and use their insights to improve.
• Reflect Regularly: Take time each week to reflect on your decisions, interactions and results. Ask yourself what went well, what didn’t and what you can do differently next time.
• Understand Your Leadership Style: Know how your communication and decision-making style affects others. Adjust your approach to motivate and inspire different personality types.
• Practice Emotional Intelligence: Recognize and manage your own emotions while being mindful of how others feel. Empathy and emotional awareness foster trust, loyalty and collaboration.
• Own Your Mistakes: When things go wrong, take responsibility instead of placing blame. Acknowledging your mistakes shows integrity and builds respect.
• Stay Open to Growth: Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Continuously invest in your personal and professional development to stay ahead of challenges and inspire your team. 

When you shift your mindset from “What’s wrong with my team?” to “How can I lead better?” you unlock a new level of growth — for yourself and those you lead. The best leaders inspire, uplift and challenge their teams to grow. So, before you point at the work environment, ask yourself: Are you leading in a way that people want to follow?

Ready to Level Up Your Leadership?

If this hit home, it’s time to take your leadership to the next level. The Designed Leader Digital Course is built to help leaders like you develop the clarity, tools and mindset needed to create thriving teams and lasting results.