The 10 Biggest Leadership Mistakes to Avoid
Anyone that is a boss, a manager or a leader knows that strong leadership qualities are a must if you and your team are going to succeed. There is so much information out there on how to be a great leader; however, there are also things that should be avoided if you’re in a leadership role.
The 10 biggest leadership mistakes to avoid include:
1. Forgetting to listen
Leaders have an agenda, a plan and a mission that they are trying to carry out. However, they can sometimes forget to listen to the advice of others. There is wisdom in consulting people for advice and ideas. Listen to those around and put your heads together.
2. Ignoring the details
Leaders can often fixate on the big picture. The only way you can pull off the ultimate goal is to stay the course and note the details that it takes to get there. In other words, a leader should avoid ignoring the details. They matter and are what helps you to achieve the overall project or mission.
3. Missing individual successes
Don’t forget to give credit where credit is due. Your team will thrive under a little pat on the back and encouragement. If you miss celebrating individual successes, then you could miss a very important motivator for your team.
4. Slow to change
Strong leaders should be quick to change if it makes sense. You gain nothing by making the process slow. If you can make an improvement for your team or company, then go for it.
5. Being “incognito”
Don’t get lost! Your employees should be able to find you with ease. If they think you are always gone or unavailable, then you will miss opportunities to mentor them.
6. Skip the micromanaging act
No one likes to be micromanaged. Be sure to hire well and you can skip the constant checking up on them and the getting into every detail.
7. Not communicating well
The goal should be to inform your staff about what’s happening in the company. The less surprises the better for your team. Good communication is important for success.
8. Making things about you
Don’t make everything about you. Your team will get annoyed and not respect you. Be sure that you are open to helping the team as a whole rather than just you.
9. Not admitting your mistakes
Leaders need to admit when they are wrong and make mistakes. Your honesty with the situation will help your team see you as more human and even more approachable.
10. Not being willing to fire people
Terminating someone’s employment is never a good situation. However, leaders need to be willing to make a change and fire someone when it is warranted.
Leaders should focus on how to lead well but not miss these 10 mistakes to avoid at the same time. Strong leadership is essential to the success of a mission and company.
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Facilities Management (Station Agent) at BART
6 年Not being willing to fire someone is so true. I was on a team where a co workers duties got transferred to me with little to no training, but, was not offered the same pay as the coworker who just held the positin and that coworker was not fired nor were they demoted. It was tough to overcome the feeling of being used, especially with little to no pats on the back... ever!
Vice President - Maintenance at Sunrise
8 年Fred - a little late to the party on the post, but great article along with points to keep in mind. Humility in leadership strikes a central chord.