#59 - The danger of sycophancy!

30 Apr 25

One of the most unappealing traits that humans are apt to display is that of sycophancy.

For a masterclass in this subject, I recommend that you tune in to a White House Cabinet meeting. It makes for unpleasant television. Any leader who relies on, or promotes sycophantic behaviour to feed personal vanity is deluding themselves.

Great leadership is all about promoting an environment and inclusive team culture where healthy challenge, idea generation and individual voices are able to contribute to seasoned and well-thought out decisions.

This is what marks a great team out from a bad one!

This edition is sponsored by Kajabi - the one stop shop solution for entrepreneurs hoping to start an online business. Use my affiliate link below to receive an increased trial period from 14 to 30 days - only for Springboard Spotlight readers!

Whether you're an aspiring or seasoned entrepreneur, Kajabi is the platform to help you monetize your skills & knowledge. It's an all-in-one platform that lets you transform your expertise into income through online courses, membership sites, community building, and personalized coaching tools. 

Kajabi Free 30 Day Trial

#59 - The danger of sycophancy!

What?

Years ago, I watched a documentary about Idi Amin, the former dictator and despot of Uganda. It was eye opening!

Aside from the atrocities that he committed against his own people, the scene I that is most memorable to me is a cabinet meeting that he held.

Members of the government are all seated around the table with Idi Amin holding court at its head.

What struck me was the way it was conducted. It was clear that his rule was characterised through fear and intimidation with no dissent permitted. Those government ministers sat with him around the table were completely subservient, displaying outrageous sycophantic behaviour to win favour with their overlord at any cost.

They were not permitted to speak and hung on his every word, frantically scribbling down notes on his disjointed and illogical ramblings.

It was uncomfortable to watch!

Sycophantic behaviour is:

'...the display of excessive flattery or praise aimed at gaining favour, due to a variety of motivations. These include a desire for validation, fear of repercussions, a weak sense of self, or a belief that sycophancy is the most effective way to achieve goals.'

The danger of sycophantic behaviour is that it circumvents healthy challenge, reinforces leader vanity and erodes strong and well-reasoned decision-making.

We are seeing a similar theme emerge from the White House, with Trump behaving in the same way as Amin. It is astounding to watch a democracy operate in this way.

Why?

So why do people behave in this way and what are the signs?:

1. Excessive praise - Constant flattery, especially when not warranted by outcomes. Over-the-top compliments that seem scripted or generic.
2. Agreeing without question - Always agreeing with a superior’s opinion, even on controversial or clearly flawed ideas. Avoiding constructive criticism at all costs.
3. Undermining peers to elevate themselves - Putting others down indirectly to make themselves look better. Taking credit for others’ work while staying close to authority.
4. Inauthentic behaviour - Drastic change in tone, posture, or language when a superior is present. Playing to the emotions or ego of leaders rather than focusing on truth or performance.
5. Avoidance of accountability - Dodging responsibility while praising the leader to deflect criticism. Pushing decisions back up to avoid blame.

How?

So how can this type of culture/behaviour be counteracted?

Here's a few ideas:

1. Cultivate a culture of honesty - Publicly value constructive feedback and dissent. Reward candour, even when it’s uncomfortable.
2. Ask for contrarian views - Regularly prompt: 'What might I be missing?' or 'Where do you disagree?'. Make it clear that respectful challenge is expected, not punished.
3. Promote on merit, not loyalty - Make decisions based on objective performance metrics. Be wary of promoting those who flatter you more than they challenge you.
4. Observe behavior across contexts - Watch how individuals behave when they’re with peers versus superiors. Ask others for feedback about team dynamics that may be hidden from you.
5. Model humility - Admit your own mistakes and invite critique. Praise others genuinely and avoid surrounding yourself with 'yes-people'.
6. Rotate perspectives - Bring in external views or rotate roles to avoid the entrenchment of hierarchical favouritism.

In Summary

I hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has given you food for thought.

Great leadership is all about promoting an environment and inclusive team culture where healthy challenge, idea generation and individual voices are able to contribute to seasoned and well-thought out decisions. The leader does not have all the answers, and culture should not rely solely on a leader's need for personl vanity or validation. 

Can you identify sycophantic behaviour in your workplace? If so, will you challenge it?

Have a great week!

Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you:

1. Resources - Reading is an essential component to developing your own authentic leadership style. Check out my resources page for really inspiring books which I have found invaluable within my own leadership journey,
2. Coach Station - Singular issue 60 minute coaching sessions,
3. Coach Journey - Bespoke coaching packages of 6 or 12 sessions for transformative change,
4. Schedule Optimiser - Online course allowing you to take back control of your diary.
5. SureStart! - Online course for Aspiring Leaders to hone their skills and to build experience in advance of their first formal leadership role.