10 Key Differences Between Secure Leaders & Insecure Leaders

"The people on the front lines doing the work aren’t the problem. They’re simply a reflection of the leadership ability of all of those above." ~ Mack Story

10 Key Differences Between Secure Leaders & Insecure Leaders

1. Delegation

Secure leaders delegate the desired results, not methods. When those doing the work determine the method, they take ownership in achieving the results.

Insecure "leaders" delegate methods in order to achieve the desired results. When those doing the work are told what to do, they avoid ownership of the results.

2. Decision-Making

Secure leaders empower others by giving them the power to make decisions. The secure leader’s role is to facilitate decision-making, not to make the decisions.

Insecure "leaders" disengage in the name of empowerment by giving others the “false impression” they have the ability to make decisions. The insecure leader is always hovering over and smothering “snoopervising” to ensure the right decisions are made.

3. Trust

Secure leaders know the power of empowerment comes when those on the team truly feel trusted. When they feel trust, they know they are ultimately responsible.

Insecure "leaders" exhibit false trust by disengaging and stepping back while attempting to make those carrying out the mission feel as though they are responsible. They only pretend to trust.

4. Teamwork

Secure leaders expect the team to synergize. They empower others to determine methods because they know there will be unlimited synergistic solutions to problems as they arise.

Insecure "leaders" marginalize their team. They typically provide one unilateral solution. They are so busy making decisions for everyone that they don’t have time to listen to anyone.

5. Thinking

Secure leaders want their team to do all of the thinking. They know that’s where and when they will grow the most.

Insecure "leaders" want to do all of the thinking. Whenever there is a mistake, the insecure leader hurriedly offers a solution.

6. Belief

Secure leaders believe in their team. They don’t just say it. They demonstrate it. They don’t have to say it because their team members feel it.

Insecure "leaders" believe in themselves and discount their team. They question their team’s actions constantly. They shoot down their ideas regularly and frequently.

7. Support

Secure leaders come alongside their team. They are not out front pulling. Nor are they in the back pushing. They are in a support role.

Insecure "leaders" are always pulling or pushing their teams. Why? For the insecure leader, it’s not about the team. It’s about themselves.

8. Credit

Secure leaders love to give credit to others. When things go right, they look through the window and give credit to the team.

Insecure "leaders" seek the credit. When things go right, they look in the mirror and take the credit.

9. Control

Secure leaders exhibit passion. They motivate and inspire others to take action.

Insecure "leaders" thrive on control. They give orders to move others to action.

 10. Process

Secure leaders have grown accustomed to challenging the process. They encourage others to challenge the process.

Insecure "leaders" do not want to rock the boat. They also don’t want their team to rock the boat. They value the status quo and will do everything in their power to maintain it.