Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. All make mistakes from time to time.
Here are 5 BIG mistakes leaders should avoid:
1. Micro-managing: This mistake sends the message that I don’t trust you. Now let me clarify if an employee is having performance issues and there is documented evidence that supports this they should be monitored and their workload managed carefully. However, if this employee is in the “Proficient” category you should stay out of the way and let them do their job. You have better uses of your time!
2. Role Confusion: Every employee has a role that contributes to the larger mission and vision of the company. However, if for example the manager of a company has to consistently dump the garbage in the morning because the night custodian forgets and rather than fulfill the accountability role this manager chooses to ignore the problem…there is a problem! Especially if this leader does not like the accountability part of the role. It is the managers role to tell the custodian or custodians boss that the garbage needs to be dumped. In another more extreme example of an unhealthy understanding of roles now let’s say the manager has a board she works for. Let’s say a board member heard there is a problem and decides to meet with the custodians that works for the manager and says tell me what the manager is not doing right. You have a really unhealthy system and unhealthy understanding of roles!
3. Failing to pay the Price: In John Maxwells’s Law of the price tag everyone has to pay the price in order for the team to win…especially the leader. If a leaders not willing to do the things leaders have to do (study, make the tough decisions, have the tough conversations, etc.) they wont stay a leader long.
4. Poor Listening Skills: Listening can be tough to learn because of the fast paced world we live in. Learning to slow down and truly listen at high levels has to be a priority. If you fail to listen ( to data, evidence, stakeholders) you will fail as a leader and will ultimately not be able to take your business and team to the next level.
5. Not knowing your weaknesses: As a leader your job is to define reality. Your staffs, your own, and your business has areas of weakness. Find them and strengthen them or delegate them to team member…its your choice….or your business will pay the price.
