How to Tell If You’re an A**hole Boss: An Interview with Tamica Sears

As the host of the "Lessons in Leadership" podcast, I’m fortunate to engage with incredible leaders who challenge the status quo and inspire growth. My recent conversation with Tamica Sears, author of How to Tell If You’re an A**hole Boss, was no exception. Tamica's humor and honesty offer a refreshing take on leadership—a blend of tough truths and actionable strategies for growth.

Tamica has over two decades of experience in HR and organizational effectiveness, making her a sought-after executive coach and consultant. Her bold book tackles a topic many leaders shy away from: recognizing when they might be the problem. Here’s a recap of our conversation, key takeaways, and action steps for leaders looking to improve.

[Click here to watch/listen to the full podcast interview]

The Problem: Leaders Don’t Know They’re the Bottleneck

Tamica shared a powerful insight: most “A**hole bosses” don’t realize they’re the problem. They’re quick to blame others for team dysfunction without considering their own behavior. "As a coach," she said, "people often come to me saying their employees need coaching, but it’s really the leaders who need to change."

I could relate to this, reflecting on my younger self as a leader. Ambition can blind us to the impact we have on others. Leaders who prioritize objectives over people risk becoming command-and-control managers, alienating their teams. History proves that those who rule with an iron fist eventually fall.

Key Traits of an A**hole Boss

Tamica highlighted common traits of ineffective leaders:

1. Micromanagement: Acting as though only they can do the job right.
2. Lack of Empathy: Failing to acknowledge significant life events of team members.
3. Iron-Fisted Rules: Demanding compliance without offering context or support.

She recounted an incident where a leader didn’t even know one of their employees had just welcomed twins. "If you’re unaware of major life events in your team’s lives, that’s a huge red flag," she emphasized.

The Cost of Poor Leadership

The consequences of toxic leadership are clear: disengaged employees, lower productivity, and higher turnover. Tamica shared a story of a top-performing salesperson whose boss’s militant style caused him to shut down emotionally. Instead of thriving, he felt demotivated.

Conversely, supportive leadership creates loyalty and community. When employees feel cared for, they’re more likely to go above and beyond. As Tamica put it, “Happy employees are productive employees.”

Turning Insight into Action

During our discussion, I asked Tamica how leaders can start reflecting on their behavior. She recommends the 360-degree feedback tool—an invaluable way to understand how others perceive you.

"When I coach leaders, I always start with a 360," Tamica explained. "It’s eye-opening. Leaders often have no idea how their actions impact their teams until they hear it from multiple perspectives."

This feedback can be the catalyst for meaningful change. Armed with honest input, leaders can identify blind spots and begin to transform their leadership style.

Practical Steps for Better Leadership

1. Embrace Feedback: Conduct a 360-degree assessment to gather input from peers, subordinates, and supervisors. Use the insights to pinpoint areas for improvement.
2. Cultivate Empathy: Take time to learn about your team members’ lives. Small gestures, like acknowledging personal milestones, build trust and loyalty.
3. Lead with Vision: Explain the “why” behind your decisions. This fosters alignment and helps your team feel connected to the bigger picture.
4. Celebrate Wins: Start meetings by sharing personal or professional victories. This practice, inspired by my time working inside the Tony Robbins organization, fosters connection and positivity.
5. Focus on Relationships: Tamica reminded us, “You can’t automate a relationship. You either have one, or you don’t.” Prioritize genuine connections with your team.

The Bottom Line: People First, Metrics Follow

For leaders fixated on the bottom line, Tamica had a compelling message: "Better leadership leads to better business outcomes." Investing in relationships and creating a supportive culture isn’t just warm and fuzzy; it’s a smart business decision.

Interestingly, she noted that even leaders who initially care only about metrics often evolve once they see the results of putting people first. "It’s hard to ‘fake care’ for too long," she said. "Eventually, you start to genuinely care."

Final Thoughts

My conversation with Tamica Sears was a masterclass in leadership. Her insights challenge us to reflect, grow, and lead with purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a new manager, the message is clear: leadership isn’t about power; it’s about people.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, consider picking up Tamica’s book, How to Tell If You’re an A**hole Boss, and reflect on how you can create a thriving, engaged workplace.

Connect with Tamica Sears

Click here to connect with Tamica on LinkedIn, and for more insights on becoming a better leader, grab a copy of her book on Amazon.

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Bill Storm

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Tamica Sears, affectionately known as The Corporate Fixer, is not just the founder of Sears Coaching and author of the book “How To Tell If You’re An A**Hole Boss”, but also a life-long learner and advocate for human potential. With two decades in the HR and coaching arena, her expertise is only half the story.nbsp; As an HR Professional, Tamica is a champion of creating inclusive and innovative work cultures. Shes equally passionate about equipping leaders and teams to strive for authenticity, become self-reflective, and achieve. Beyond her role as a consultant, shes an avid reader and loves to sit with her nose in a book on a sunny beach. Despite her dedication to work, Tamica never loses sight of personal growth, aspiring to be a better coach and human every day.

Tamica Sears

520-331-2156

[email protected]

www.thecorporatefixer.com

Bill Storm is a seasoned advisor and consultant renowned for his expertise in driving peak performance and fostering effective leadership within Fortune 500 companies. With a multifaceted skill set spanning organizational systems, the psychology of achievement, team building, and sales, Bill is a trusted resource for executives, managers, and team leaders seeking to maximize their potential.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a Peak Performance Strategist with the Tony Robbins organization and Team-Building Specialist with the John Maxwell Leadership Team, Bill has developed a unique set of frameworks tailored to the needs of industry leaders. These frameworks provide a foundation for building winning teams and achieving sustainable success in today's competitive landscape.

Driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a deep understanding of human behavior, Bill Storm empowers organizations to reach new heights of performance and effectiveness. His strategic guidance and hands-on approach have earned him a reputation as a go-to advisor for companies seeking transformative solutions. With Bill's guidance, businesses can unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success in the ever-evolving marketplace.

In his personal life, Bill has been married for 29 years to the love of his life, has two adult children, and recently welcomed his first grandchild into the world! Bill spends much of his time with his Golden Retriever, Charlie. The two are attached at the hip!

https://www.billstorm.com/