Common Business Leadership Mistakes

We all know the “bad boss” types: the “micro-manager, the “know-it-all”, or perhaps the “missing-in-action” boss. These nicknames are great for water cooler talk but in the long run these business leadership mistakes can be disastrous for your company. If you find yourself in a leadership position at your company, it may be time to do some self evaluation to examine if you are making the most common mistakes. Here is a list to help you get your act together.

• Too Involved? or Not Involved Enough? – Finding a balance between managing every step of a project and stepping back until the completion is a difficult task for even the most seasoned leaders. Many leaders want to avoid micromanagement but in doing so become too hands off. The problem is that if your team misunderstood the specifications of the project it may be too late once it is completed. Leaders and managers must find the right balance between being a Laissez Faire leader and a micro-manager.
• Communication Nightmares – Team members need prompt and helpful feedback. According to 1,400 executives polled by The Ken Blanchard Companies, failing to provide feedback is the most common mistake that leaders make. When you don’t provide prompt feedback to your people, you’re depriving them of the opportunity to improve their performance.
• Being a Role Model – Leading by example is the best way to show your team members how to be professional and the work ethic that you desire. When it comes to achieving results, there is no substitute for leadership by example instead of the “Do as I say, not as I do.” Double standards have no place in business leadership.
• Lack of Delegation – According to Inc. Online the key to leadership success is to learn to effectively delegate both the responsibility for completing assignments and the authority required to get things done. Whenever you prepare to take on a new task or assignment, make a point to ask yourself whether one of your employees can do it instead.
• Being Boring – Your employees spend anywhere from 8-12 hours of their day in your office or working for the “good of the company”. Not having any fun during those hours is a huge mistake. Fun doesn’t mean that employees are losing efficiency or productivity. The best leaders make their organizations fun places to be. Your people spend about one-third of their lives at work. Make it a pleasant place for them.
• Not Recognizing Excellence – There are many things that leaders can do to recognize employees that cost little or no money, are easy to implement, and take only a few minutes to accomplish. When you take the time to recognize employees’ achievements, the result is improved morale, performance, and loyalty.

Categorised in: Blog, Management Style