How Inconsistent Leadership Damages Performance—And How to Fix It

The Hidden Danger of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Leadership

A new study reveals a troubling trend in workplace leadership: managers who alternate between abusive and ethical behavior, often called “Jekyll and Hyde” leaders, can harm employee performance more than consistently abusive leaders. This unpredictable behavior creates uncertainty and emotional exhaustion, making it harder for employees to perform effectively.

Conducted by Dr. Haoying Xu and her team at Stevens Institute of Technology, the research surveyed over 650 full-time employees in the U.S. and U.K. The findings highlight the damaging effects of inconsistent leadership, which can erode trust and productivity in the workplace.

Key Findings

• Employees struggle more with unpredictable leadership than with consistently abusive behavior.
• The negative impact extends beyond direct reports, affecting team dynamics when a supervisor’s own boss exhibits Jekyll and Hyde behavior.
• Attempts by leaders to “make up” for abusive behavior by later acting ethically can backfire, worsening the situation.

Addressing the Issue

To combat this problem, organizations and leaders must take proactive steps. “Leadership is not about balancing right and wrong, but about building trust through unwavering consistency,” Dr. Xu emphasizes.

For Organizations and Leaders:

• Strive for consistency in positive and fair leadership behaviors.
• Implement training programs on effective self-regulation and emotional management.
• Select individuals with high self-control and emotional stability for leadership positions.
• Create channels for employees to report abusive behavior and hold leaders accountable.
• Adopt zero-tolerance policies for abusive behavior.

For Employees:

• Address concerns through open and honest communication with the leader.
• Escalate issues to HR or senior leadership if the behavior persists.
• Consider leaving the organization if all other measures prove ineffective.

Organizations must take Jekyll and Hyde leadership seriously to maintain a healthy work environment and ensure long-term success. The study underscores the importance of consistent, ethical leadership in fostering trust and productivity.

Read the full study here.

The Ripple Effect of Jekyll and Hyde Leadership

The study also revealed that the detrimental effects of Jekyll and Hyde leadership extend beyond individual employees, impacting the overall team dynamics. When a supervisor’s own boss exhibits such behavior, it creates a trickle-down effect, further complicating the work environment. This hierarchical impact underscores the importance of addressing inconsistent leadership at all levels of an organization.

The research, which surveyed over 650 full-time employees in the U.S. and U.K., highlights the profound consequences of unpredictable leadership. Employees are not only struggling with their direct supervisors but also with the broader leadership culture, which can lead to a toxic work environment if left unchecked.

Conclusion

The study by Dr. Haoying Xu and her team sheds light on the detrimental effects of “Jekyll and Hyde” leadership, emphasizing the need for consistent and ethical leadership practices. The findings reveal that unpredictable behavior from leaders can cause more harm than consistently abusive behavior, leading to emotional exhaustion and reduced productivity among employees.

Organizations must prioritize leadership training and accountability to foster a healthy work environment. By implementing zero-tolerance policies for abusive behavior and promoting self-regulation, organizations can mitigate the negative impacts of Jekyll and Hyde leadership. Employees should feel empowered to address such behavior through open communication and, when necessary, escalate issues to higher authorities.

Ultimately, the key to a thriving workplace lies in consistent, ethical leadership. Organizations that take proactive steps to address Jekyll and Hyde leadership will not only protect their employees but also enhance overall productivity and trust within the organization.

FAQ

What is “Jekyll and Hyde” leadership?

Jekyll and Hyde leadership refers to managers who alternate between abusive and ethical behavior, creating an unpredictable work environment that negatively impacts employee performance and well-being.

Why is Jekyll and Hyde leadership harmful?

It is harmful because the unpredictability causes uncertainty and emotional exhaustion, making it harder for employees to perform effectively and eroding trust in leadership.

How does Jekyll and Hyde leadership affect team dynamics?

The ripple effect of such leadership extends beyond individual employees, impacting team dynamics and creating a toxic work environment if left unchecked.

How can leaders improve their behavior?

Leaders can improve by striving for consistency in positive and fair leadership behaviors, undergoing training in self-regulation, and emotional management.

What can employees do if they experience Jekyll and Hyde leadership?

Employees should address concerns through open communication, escalate issues to HR if necessary, and consider leaving the organization if other measures fail.

How can organizations address Jekyll and Hyde leadership?

Organizations should implement training programs, select leaders with high self-control, create reporting channels, and adopt zero-tolerance policies for abusive behavior.