There’s a stark contrast between a leader driven by passion and one fueled by greed.

The difference? Intentions. A greedy leader is driven by self-interest, often at the cost of those under their wing.

Recognizing such behavior might not be as straightforward as it seems. However, there are telltale signs that can help you spot a leader who’s more into filling their own pockets than leading the team to success.

Below, I’ve compiled nine signs that your leader might be driven by greed. Keep an eye out for these indicators. They could well help you understand the underlying motivations of those you follow.

1) Prioritizes profits over people

When it comes to leadership, there’s a delicate balance that must be maintained between profits and people.

It’s no secret that businesses need to make money. But a leader who constantly prioritizes profits over the well-being of their team might be waving a red flag of greed.

This could manifest in various ways, such as neglecting employee welfare, disregarding work-life balance, or constant downsizing to save costs.

If your leader seems more focused on the bottom line than the people who are helping them get there, it might be a sign that they are driven by greed.

Remember, a good leader values their team and understands that their success is directly tied to the success of their people. If this isn’t the case, you may want to question their motivations.

2) Decisions driven by personal gain

Once, I had a boss who made a decision that left many of us puzzled. Our team had been pushing for a new software that would make our tasks more efficient. It was an investment, yes, but one that would pay off in the long run.

However, my boss decided to invest in a fancy new office space instead. It was clear that this decision was not about what was best for the team or the business, but rather, it was about showing off to clients and peers.

This is a classic sign of a leader driven by greed. When decisions seem to be more about personal gain or image rather than what’s best for the team or the company, you might be dealing with a leader whose primary motivator is greed. It’s important to watch out for such signs and weigh your options carefully.

3) Unwillingness to share credit

In the world of psychology, there’s a term called “narcissistic leadership”. This refers to leaders who exhibit traits of excessive self-love and self-obsession, often at the expense of their teams.

One key characteristic of a narcissistic leader is their unwillingness to share credit. They want all the glory for themselves, no matter how much their team contributed to the success.

So, if your leader is always in the spotlight, taking all the credit for team accomplishments while downplaying your contributions, it could be a sign that they are driven by greed. Remember, great leaders acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their team because they know that success is a collective effort.

4) Lack of empathy

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – is a crucial trait for effective leadership. It helps leaders relate to their team, build stronger relationships, and foster a supportive work environment.

However, a leader driven by greed may lack this important quality. They may seem indifferent to the struggles or challenges their team members face. Their primary concern often revolves around how situations or events will impact them or their goals, rather than the wellbeing of their team.

When empathy is missing from a leader’s toolbox, it can be a significant sign that they are driven more by self-interest and greed than by the desire to lead and support their team effectively.

5) Frequent bending of rules

Rules and regulations exist for a reason. They ensure fairness, create a level playing field, and keep things running smoothly. But a leader driven by greed might frequently bend these rules to their advantage.

If your leader often disregards policies or procedures when it serves their interests, it’s a clear sign of greed. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the organization, but it also creates an unhealthy work culture where rules are seen as optional rather than mandatory.

Leaders who respect and uphold the rules set a positive example for their team and foster trust. So, when your leader is frequently bending the rules, it’s time to question their motives.

6) Poor listening skills

At the heart of every great leader is a great listener. Listening shows respect, understanding, and genuine care for the thoughts and feelings of others.

However, a leader driven by greed may lack this essential skill. They might constantly cut you off, disregard your ideas, or fail to give you their undivided attention. This could be because they are more focused on their own thoughts and ambitions.

If your voice seems to fall on deaf ears more often than not, it could be a sign that your leader’s greed is getting in the way of their ability to truly listen and empathize. And in such cases, remember that your voice matters and deserves to be heard.

7) Lack of transparency

In a previous role, I found myself feeling unsettled and suspicious due to my leader’s lack of transparency. Important decisions were made behind closed doors, and information was shared on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.

This lack of transparency caused confusion, mistrust, and a sense of uncertainty within the team. It was clear that the leader was more interested in maintaining power and control than fostering a collaborative and open work environment.

A leader driven by greed might keep their cards close to their chest, fearing that sharing information could compromise their position or plans. If your leader is not being transparent, it could be an indicator of underlying greed.

8) Overemphasis on competition

Competition can be healthy. It can spur innovation, drive performance, and keep us striving for better. But when a leader places too much emphasis on winning at any cost, it can become a problem.

If your leader constantly pits team members against each other, or if they seem to thrive on the thrill of beating others rather than working collaboratively, it could indicate a deep-seated greed.

A leader’s role should be to foster a supportive environment where everyone works together towards common goals. An overemphasis on competition can disrupt this harmony and is a telltale sign of a leader whose motivation might be greed.

9) Shows little regard for ethics

Ethics are the moral principles that guide us in our actions and decisions. They are the cornerstones of any successful and respectable leader.

However, a leader driven by greed might show little regard for these principles. They might be willing to compromise on ethical standards for personal gain or to achieve their goals.

If your leader frequently makes decisions that seem unethical or morally questionable, it’s a clear sign of greed. Such behavior can cause long-term damage to the team and the organization. Remember, a leader without ethics is a leader without integrity, and such leadership is neither sustainable nor beneficial in the long run.

Leadership: It’s about service, not self-interest

In essence, leadership is service. It’s about putting the needs of your team and your organization before your own. This principle is beautifully encapsulated in a quote by leadership expert, John C. Maxwell: “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”

However, when a leader is driven by greed, they flip this service-first principle on its head. Their focus shifts from empowering others to empowering themselves, often at the expense of their team and their organization.

If you recognize some of these signs in your leader, it’s important to remember that you have a choice. You can choose to address the issue directly, seek advice from a trusted mentor, or even consider seeking new opportunities where your contributions are valued and your leader genuinely cares for your wellbeing.

Finally, if you aspire to be a leader yourself, let these signs serve as a reminder of what leadership is not. Strive to lead with empathy, integrity, and a service-first mentality. Because in the end, the most successful leaders are those who lift others up, not those who push others down for personal gain.