Is sarcasm part of your leadership toolbox?
The word comes from the Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmos) which is taken from σαρκάζειν meaning “to tear flesh, bite the lip in rage, sneer” [OED]. Wow, is this the way a true leader ought to behave? In other words, sarcasm is destructive. If you are leading a team why would you want to undermine yourself by pulling it apart through the use of sarcasm. Remember, if you employ sarcasm in your team, you are leading by example, that means your teams are most likely to be using sarcasm too. Continue using sarcasm and soon your teams will begin to naturally fall apart, what choice do they really have?
Be aware of yourself, the way you interact with your teams, sometimes you can learn more from observing yourself rather than observing others. Reflection is very powerful!