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TED October 31, 2025

Why Good People Become Bad Bosses | Jamie Woolf and Christopher Bell | TED

Summary

The discussion centers on the pervasive problem of "toxic bosses" and the phenomenon of "power blindness." Key subjects include employee surveys revealing widespread negative experiences with superiors, the personal impact of bad leadership illustrated by anecdotal stories, and the psychological mechanisms leading to this issue, such as ego protection and defensive walls. The practical takeaway is that leaders must engage in honest self-reflection, recognize their protective "armor," and ask crucial questions to understand what others fear telling them and commit to actionable change to be more effective and humane leaders.

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