How to Recognize Destructive Leadership Before It Becomes Normal - Alain de Sales

Full transcript and show notes: https://www.sharnafabiano.com/2026/07/29/how-to-recognize-destructive-leadership-before-it-becomes-normal-alain-de-sales/

How does destructive leadership gain influence before people recognize the damage it is causing? Dr. Alain de Sales examines this question through a real-time case study of the 2024 U.S. presidential election cycle, exploring how harmful leadership patterns emerge gradually—and why the choices of those around a leader can shape what happens next.

Alain de Sales teaches at Queensland University of Technology’s Graduate School of Business in Brisbane, Australia, where he works with MBA, Executive MBA, and public service management students on leadership and followership. His PhD research explored how courageous actions from those around leaders can interrupt destructive leadership patterns and prevent harmful outcomes.

GSB is among 1% of business schools worldwide to have triple accreditation for excellence from the world's leading accrediting bodies. At GSB Alain teaches leadership (and followership) nationally in the Executive MBA, MBA, and Public Service Management programs along with other executive education programs. 

You’ll learn:

• How destructive leadership can become normalized before people recognize the warning signs 
• Why speaking up and challenging harmful decisions requires courage from those around leaders 
• What organizations can learn from whistleblowing, transparency, and accountability 
• How shared responsibility influences whether destructive leadership continues 
• Why agreement on basic facts matters for rebuilding trust and collective action 

Episode References

S1 E8 – Courageous Followers can Stop Destructive Leadership - Alain de Sales

Queensland University of Technology’s Graduate School of Business

Art Padilla, Robert Hogan, Robert B. Kaiser, “The toxic triangle: Destructive leaders, susceptible followers, and conducive environments,” The Leadership Quarterly, Volume 18, Issue 3, 2007

Project 2025 Presidential Transition Project, The Heritage Foundation
https://www.project2025.org/ 

Join or Die - documentary film
https://www.joinordiefilm.com/

Ira Chaleff, To Stop A Tyrant
https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Tyrant-Political-Followers-Leader/dp/1637560567/