When Leadership Fails

Hey there! Welcome to Talent Talk Weekly, a weekly newsletter that includes thought-provoking strategies, insights, and resources to help you meet human capital needs through effective Talent Management.

Have you ever worked under a leader who took pride in making your ideas their own? Someone who didn’t just overlook your achievements, but actively minimized them? I have, and I can tell you it was both frustrating and demoralizing. I remember feeling small in meetings where every suggestion from my team was twisted and branded as the leader's brainchild. The wins we achieved as a team were either ignored or, even worse, credited solely to them.

Instead of fostering growth and success, the leader created a culture of self-doubt and disengagement. It was my lesson on how not to lead.

Reflecting on that experience and years of research/practice helped me recognize the qualities that truly set great leaders apart from the rest. Successful leaders don’t simply climb the ladder—they lift others as they go. Here are six key behaviors that define leadership focused on empowering teams and fostering a culture of growth and achievement:

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Advocate for Your Team Members Effective leaders stand up for their team in meetings with senior management and in the face of challenging deadlines. They ensure that credit is given where it’s due, and provide the team recognition they deserve. Advocacy fosters trust and loyalty, motivating team members to go above and beyond.

What this might sound like: "Jenny led that project to its completion and provided exceptional impact to the team and organization. Her work on this project will continue to add value well after project completion."

Build New Skills Growth-oriented leaders invest in their team’s development. They understand that when team members build new skills, the whole team becomes stronger and more versatile. By offering training opportunities and encouraging continuous learning, they set up their teams—and the organization—for long-term success.

What this might sound like: "What skills do you admire in others that you would like to build??"

Listen and Support Their Ideas Great leaders don’t just “hear” ideas; they actively listen and engage with them. They encourage innovative thinking by providing an environment where team members feel safe to share their perspectives. This creates a culture of inclusivity and respect, allowing creative ideas to flourish.

What this might sound like: "You've brought a great idea. What can I do to help you flesh it out?"

Help Find the Best in Each Team Member Each person has unique strengths and potential. Strong leaders prioritize understanding what motivates each team member, helping them leverage their strengths and develop in areas that excite them. This personalized approach boosts morale and engagement.

What this might sound like: "What brings you to work each day? What are your biggest strengths and how can I help you continue to foster growth?"

Reward Success Celebrating wins, both big and small, is essential for maintaining motivation. Successful leaders recognize achievements and reward hard work in meaningful ways, reinforcing the idea that their efforts matter. By acknowledging successes, they inspire team members to continue pushing their limits.

What this might sound like: "You've done really good work here. You have impacted the organization and our team by___."

Coach for Learnings Instead of simply managing performance, great leaders see themselves as coaches. They offer constructive feedback, help team members learn from mistakes, and empower them to grow. This approach enhances performance and builds a resilient team that continuously learns and improves.

What this might sound like, "Learning is the most important thing. What have you learned through this process and what will do going forward?"

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The difference between the leader I described at the beginning and a truly successful leader is like night and day. When leaders prioritize the success of their team, everyone thrives. They create an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their best. By adopting these six behaviors, any leader can inspire a team that doesn’t just meet its goals but exceeds them.

If we are meeting for the first time, welcome! You can learn more about me and the work I do by clicking here or visiting my website: www.collectivegrowthcc.com. Reach out if you'd like to chat! I'm always up for a conversation to trade insights on Talent Management and provide resources that will help your organization thrive.

Let's work together!

I work with leaders to build effective leadership behaviors that lead to career growth and success. I also work with organizations to develop and execute wildly practical talent management solutions.

If you've been wondering if coaching is right for you and your leadership journey, stop wondering! Book a complimentary coaching session...no pressure, just growth!

Next Friday, November 8th, 11:30 CST, I am hosting a meetup for Talent Management professionals and would like to personally extend an invitation for you to join us.

We are welcoming April Goers as a co-host where she will share her thoughts on influencing and leveraging leadership as an extension of your Talent Management Team.

If you would like to join, you can register here!?

I hope to see you on Friday!