You defeat lousy leadership with better leadership.
Be the better option.
Smug rhetoric and incoherent arguments do not contain better ideas. Fear and paranoia driven tirades do not beckon better angels. Sowing chaos as a management technique is as childish as throwing tantrums and promoting angry fervor instead of confronting facts and resolving challenges.
Whining, complaining without providing an alternative, retreating into the shadows, are not better options and only serve to strengthen the grip of lousy leaders.
It can be tiresome, so some retire; they no longer possess the energy to battle the lousy leaders, who sprout like bramble across the paths of progress. That is why you need to become a better leader.
Summon the help of those experienced but weary; you will need their wisdom to spare you from costly missteps. You do not have to fear making mistakes of your own, by being equipped with unwavering purpose, core values, and enough humility to apologize and make amends if required.
Stay curious and attentive. Retain your integrity by confronting lousy leadership, whether borne by ignorance or intent. Provide better ideas. Be the better option.
Also published on Medium.