When Leaders Throw Team Members Under The Bus

This week, I’m in Nashville teaching EntreLeadership, and one topic that always comes up is this: leaders throwing their team members under the bus.

It’s a conversation I’ve had many times—and something I wrote about earlier this year that’s just as relevant today.

The Leadership Trap: Blame Over Responsibility

One of my biggest leadership pet peeves? Watching leaders dodge responsibility.

It’s one thing to have a leadership title. It’s another thing entirely to live up to it.

Unfortunately, I see it all the time:
Leaders who love the authority but shirk the responsibility.
Leaders who are quick to take credit when things go well—but even quicker to assign blame when they don’t.

Worse still, they don’t just shift blame…
They throw their team under the bus.
To save face with their boss or leadership, they throw someone else in the line of fire.

That’s Not Leadership. That’s Cowardice.

When you lead this way, your team begins to operate out of fear, not loyalty. They’re constantly watching their backs, wondering if they’ll be the next one sacrificed to protect your ego.

And here’s the kicker:
These leaders often think no one notices.

But they do.

And it creates a toxic culture where team members are disengaged, defensive, and distrustful—not exactly the environment where excellence and growth thrive.

Real Leadership Is About Service

Leadership isn’t about passing the buck—it’s about serving. And sometimes, that means taking a bullet (or twelve) for your team.

If they fail, you look in the mirror first. Did I train them well? Did I give them the tools they needed? Did I lead them with clarity and consistency?

If you’ve done all of that and someone still refuses to get on board, then yes—it may be time to help them succeed somewhere else. But until you’ve ruled you out…
You’re part of the problem.

Lead Shoulder to Shoulder

Get in the trenches. Lead side by side. Show your team that you’ll stand with them, not above them. That kind of leadership earns respect—and builds a culture people actually want to be a part of.

Want to Develop Leaders Who Lead With Ownership and Integrity?

If you’re tired of seeing leadership dysfunction in your team—or you’re ready to grow strong, healthy leaders who serve well, communicate clearly, and own their roles—we can help.

Our Key Leader Program is designed to develop rock-solid leaders who don’t just manage—they lead.
Through expert coaching, hands-on learning, and community with other leaders, your team will learn how to:

• Take responsibility instead of shifting blame
• Build team trust through clear communication
• Solve real problems instead of avoiding them
• Lead with confidence, consistency, and humility

Learn About the Key Leader Program

Question for you:

Have you ever experienced a leader who threw their team under the bus?
Or… have you ever been tempted to do it yourself?

Let us know in the comments—and feel free to share this with your team, friends, or fellow leaders.

Additional Resources:

• 7 Ways to Lead a Negative Team Member
• 7 Simple Ways to Foster Great Communication
• DISC Profiles Guide