Throughout my career as a leader, I have witnessed repeatedly what I like to call the “Viper Leadership Style”. We’ve all had a supervisor who works like this. You know, the manager who avoids coaching due to feeling insecure, so instead gives harsh direction or criticism in a quick strike and then pulls back and disappears. Most often, employees feel confused and frustrated after being “struck”, rather than understanding expectations and feeling empowered.

This type of manager is one of the most difficult to train, because part of their style is to act confident, when really internally they are second-guessing every move and worried about how others see them incessantly. Quite often you’ll see this type of leadership with newer managers, those who either are brand new to the responsibility of leading a team, or those who were put in the role with little or no training. Instead of asking for help or risking criticism, they project the insecurity onto the employees - creating an uncomfortable, and quite often toxic, work environment.

At Launch Pikes Peak, we often have conversations with our clients about setting up employees for success as they prepare for a leadership role, which is vital regardless of if the position is entry-level supervisory or c-level. A person stepping into a new role that requires them to lead and inspire others should have had plenty of opportunity to practice out the skills that he or she will be using when in the role.

We can help you evaluate your high potential employees before you promote, and then build training programs specific to your business and culture that will ensure when you have leaders in place, they inspire and promote growth, rather than project “viper style” management.