The "Acclaimed Leader"

Once upon a time a leader faced a daunting task. The organization he loved and felt an allegiance to was in a tailspin. He recognized that if things didn't turn around soon, the future looked bleak.

As was his mode of operation this leader sat down and wrote another 'toasty' letter to his subjects. In addressing his underlings, he blasted them with 'gloom and doom' numbers. He next ordered his hirelings to develop an immediate plan to let him know how they were going to deal with things in their specific areas. Then at some point in the future he would hold a serious discussion about their progress in accomplishing 'his' goals.

When his subordinates received his letter it broke their spirit. They too loved this establishment and they too had devoted their lives to its success. As his minions read the 'hot correspondence' they felt demoralized, offended and angry. Some even expressed outrage to colleagues, but did not covey their strong feelings to their superior. He had a history of vindictiveness.

Begrudgingly these associates obeyed the leader's orders. They developed a plan. They endured the leader's tirades. They even worked harder, yet not smarter. They pushed their own subjects for greater results. The outcome: things got worse, not better.

So, the leader wrote another letter- demanding more. The pressure escalated. Good people left. The leader continued his attack, without changing one tactic. Even when finally confronted, h e denied his bullying ways. He refused to accept any responsibility in how he handled his people. "I am not insensitive and demeaning." He didn't understand the power of vision, teamwork, or celebrating small victories that can add up to huge ones. The organization didn't hit any of the leaders' demands. He just could not understand. And, in typical fashion for this company, this leader was applauded, while the frustration level and anger rose, for the few who dared to 'stay the course.'

Questions: how do you personally lead in this kind of toxic environment? How to you stay focused on the main thing (not the leader's goals but higher goals) knowing that if this leader discovered your true feelings he would turn up the heat even more?

How do you even attempt to help this leader who thinks he doesn't need help and is operating in an out of tune, out of touch way?

This is an allegorical dilemma. Wisdom sought!