Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, recently shared an important message on X (formerly Twitter) about toxic workplace management. In a post titled How to Identify a Toxic Manager, she listed five warning signs that employees should watch for to create a healthier and more productive work environment.
According to Alagh, toxic managers do not focus on hiring skilled employees to improve productivity. Instead, they hire people who will obey them without question. Such managers discourage open discussions and curiosity, preventing growth and innovation within the team.
She explained, “Toxic managers do not hire for productivity but to seek control because they want obedience.”
Five Signs of a Toxic Manager
Alagh highlighted five key behaviors that indicate a toxic manager:
- Hiring for Control, Not Productivity
Toxic managers are more interested in having obedient employees rather than skilled and independent thinkers. They avoid hiring people who might challenge their ideas or offer creative solutions. - Discouraging Questions
Employees working under a toxic manager often feel afraid to ask questions. This lack of open communication slows down progress and prevents innovation. Strong leaders encourage curiosity rather than silence. - Prioritizing Approval Over Ideas
A toxic workplace values approval more than fresh ideas. When employees only seek their manager’s approval rather than sharing creative solutions, the company’s growth is affected. Successful teams thrive on innovation. - Fearing Feedback
Weak managers avoid feedback because they see it as criticism. Instead of looking for ways to improve, they shy away from tough conversations. In contrast, strong leaders ask, “How can we improve?” and see feedback as an opportunity to grow. - Building Teams of ‘Yes-Men’
Toxic managers surround themselves with people who always agree with them, rather than employees who challenge ineffective strategies and push for better results. Real success comes from diverse minds working together to solve problems.
Leadership and Business Insights
Alagh frequently shares her thoughts on leadership and business success. Earlier this week, she posted another insight on X, explaining that every successful brand faces an “enemy.” This enemy is not always a competitor—it can be a mindset, a broken system, or a major problem that businesses strive to solve.
What She Posted on X (Twitter)
How to Identify a Toxic Manager
Toxic managers do not hire for productivity but to seek control because they want obedience.
Real Leadership Looks Like:
✅ Hiring people smarter than you
✅ Encouraging new ideas, not just approvals
✅ Seeing feedback as an opportunity, not a threat
✅ Valuing critical thinking over blind agreement
Alagh’s message serves as a reminder that strong leadership is about empowering employees, fostering innovation, and building a workplace where people feel heard and valued.
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