The goal of leadership is both to direct the organization and to train future leaders.
Here are nine mistakes that leaders often make. I have made them myself. Learn and grow! Send me your own personal favorites.
Do it yourself. Because they can do it, current leaders tend to do it themselves. It is better to help others to learn how to do things and then to let them take over doing it. This is a critical step to building both engagement and growing leaders. Easy tasks need to be handed to others, so that the others can feel like they are participating. Leaders should be learning and starting new initiatives, then handing these items to others on the team.
Unhealthy culture. The leader sets the tone for the organizational culture by approving—actively or passively—what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. The book, Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, by Tony Hseish, CEO of Zappose.com, discusses the importance of culture to a company’s brand, employee happiness and customer service. Read it.
Lack of clear communications. Transparent communication is the mark of good business these days. Let members know what is going. It is best to have a vehicle for dialogue and to have a mechanism for participation.
No vision. If the organization does not have a direction, then it is like a row boat with the members rowing in different directions and at different times. Energy is wasted. Having a vision, and a direction for the future is important…or the organization might have no future.
Lacking excitement and spirit. People want to feel good and they want to feel part of something bigger than themselves. Helping them feel good about the organization will help to keep them engaged. Talk about the successes and accomplishments of the organization.
Negative organizational image. Create a positive image in the minds of other leaders and they will carry it to the rest of the organization. This is one of the first steps in turning around or reenergizing an organization. Start by talking about past successes and future plans.
Not being real. We all make mistakes. Own up to them. When you are not sure, ask for help. Don’t be afraid to show real emotions. People want to see that you, as a leader, have challenges, pains and fears. It helps them to face their own humanity and to feel safe with it.
No succession planning. Do you have someone in line to take over the reins of the organization, business, or club, if and when you are ready to step down? Do they know who they are? Have they been trained? Have they been in the organization a while? Do they have real experience? Do they know the players?
Stagnating. Not continuing to learn and grow ones skills and abilities. You are the pace setter for the organization. If you are not learning, then they are not learning and soon all of you will be passé. Try learning something new. Take classes, attend workshops and seminars. Read books. Listen to podcasts.
What are you working on to improve your leadership skills?
- Yona