Isabel Berwick, the FT’s Working It editor, critiques prevalent negative leadership styles in 2025, emphasizing the detrimental effects on employee morale and mental health. She references Adam Grant’s essay on the pitfalls of fear-based leadership and highlights research identifying factors that drive abusive supervision, such as social learning and identity threat. Berwick advocates for accountability and constructive strategies, urging leaders to embrace complex solutions and open communication to foster a healthier workplace culture.
