I never imagined a tax letter would be the catalyst for my awakening. Throughout my life, I’ve upheld my integrity as my shield. Yet in 2023, I found myself facing an unexpected burden.
Receiving a letter from the Belgian tax authorities informing me that salary taxes — responsibility of my employer — were now suddenly my problem, was shocking. Over 10% of my gross income during 3 years, 10% of what I hadn’t even seen. This was not just a financial issue; it highlighted a systemic failure that needs addressing.
When I raised this concern with my employer, I encountered indifference and the dismissive response: “I don’t like your tone”.
This moment exposed the toxicity within the organization — a harsh reality many professionals endure silently.
Today, with one hand I am paying those unpaid salary taxes – with my other hand holding the letters from SPF Finances telling me the way I have filled my fiscal declarations are perfectly correct and that I should address my employer…
Understanding toxic leadership
The reality is that leaders often preach accountability but fail to practice it. When they evade responsibility, they place undue burdens on those who are genuinely committed to their roles. The people who deliver are often the ones who pay the price for leadership’s failures.
In my case, instead of addressing their legal obligations, my employer left me to shoulder the consequences. This imbalance erodes trust and morale within organizations. The expectation that I would pay taxes without accountability in return is simply unacceptable.
A call to action for Leaders
Leaders must recognize that accountability is not optional. Your team observes everything; they know when responsibilities are avoided. If you choose to pass the buck, you reveal your true character as a leader and as an organization.
Why? Because most organizations have board of directors. Any lack of accountability directly reflects on them if not empowered by them.
Here’s what every leader should understand:
People are not cogs. Treating individuals as mere components of a machine, leads to burnout, disengagement and an utter lack of trust.
Your actions (or inactions) define you. As a leader, your team looks to you not just for direction, but for integrity. When you refuse to take responsibility, you’re telling your team exactly what kind of leader you are, and what type of organization you have built.
Accountability isn’t optional. Whether it’s taxes, project outcomes, or team well-being — taking ownership is crucial for organizational health.
Building betterorganizations together
If you aspire to create better organizations, start by embodying the values you preach. Hold yourself responsible to the same standard you expect from your team, your partners, from the institutions you work with.
Ultimately, it’s not bureaucratic letters that will break you; it’s the trust you lose when leadership fails.
The real cost of silence
My story reflects a broader issue faced by countless professionals who deliver results yet bear the brunt of leadership failures. It’s time for a shift toward organizations where accountability is a core value lived daily.
By holding ourselves and our leaders accountable, we can create organizations that reflect the true essence of European values — equity, justice, and respect for all.
So here’s my final thought for leaders: are you ready to lead with authenticity?
Because trust me — your team is always watching.
What will your legacy be as a leader?