Lately, there have been many articles in the media about leaders who take advantage of other people. This is a common pattern of abuse, in which leaders use their positions of authority to take advantage of their subordinates or those looking to them for help. Many signs of abusive leadership relate to leadership in the family, church, business, politics and any organization or voluntary association. Often, abusers are also themselves the victims of abuse.

12 Signs of Abusive Leadership (Abusive leaders can have one or many of the following traits.):

1. An abusive leader uses his position of power to receive favors from his subordinates. Whenever a leader throws around his title with subordinates to extract personal favors, his motives are impure, and these favors can become increasingly illicit. Unfortunately, subordinates and mentees often want to play the game as much as their leaders to satisfy their ambitious quest for success. (In that case, both are equally wrong).

2. An abusive leader threatens and manipulates subordinates to satisfy their desires. When abusive leaders don't get what they want, they often resort to political, monetary or relational manipulation to coerce their subordinates into submission. When this doesn't work, they often threaten to carry out actions detrimental to their subordinate's family, career or life to force compliance.

3. An abusive leader uses their title primarily for entitlements rather than to serve others. An abusive leader often desires positions of power so they can be served. They want their position's perquisites without commensurate sacrifice for those under their auspices. They love the influence and power that comes with their position; this is always dangerous and can lead to leadership abuse.

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