What are the most common leadership mistakes?

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Senior Director Engineering in Travel and Hospitality, 10,001+ employees

Losing focus on employees as their key asset, prioritising business over people

6 1 Reply

Principle Consultant in IT Services, Self-employed

I agree, and listening to their customers versus just selling stuff to their customers.

Manager in Services (non-Government), 2 - 10 employees

The most common leadership mistake is not listening to feedback or taking constructive criticism seriously. Leaders who ignore feedback from their team and those around them often fail to grow and develop as leaders, and can become isolated from their team or organization.

4 1 Reply

CPO in Retail, 51 - 200 employees

That is very well said. Listening and empathy toward the team are very critical at all levels of leadership. Others aspects of goals will follow through the process.

Director of Information Technology in Services (non-Government), 1,001 - 5,000 employees

Assuming everyone has the same level of commitment to the mission as you do.

6 1 Reply

Chief Executive Officer in Services (non-Government), 51 - 200 employees

Applause here for saying this! That's what it is really like.

Director in Manufacturing, 1,001 - 5,000 employees

Overconfidence in their knowledge

Chief Executive Officer in Services (non-Government), 51 - 200 employees

Today, In the digital transition of AI/ML and intelligent automation, we're witnessing some of the greatest mistakes in one of the most game-changing centuries of all time. In the digital transition of AI/ML and intelligent automation,I'd like to share some of the worst common-mistakes I've seen or experienced personally.

• Lacking vision
Without vision, a business will have trouble advancing. It is your job as a leader to make sure that everyone in your group knows what is expected of them and how they may improve through their efforts, The lack of vision will lead to misdirected operations, improper planning of resources, inaccurate measurements for success, and a lack of support from the rest of the organisation

• Being reactive rather than proactive to automation
In the business world, adapting to technological advancements is inevitable. You have no option but to address these shifts and assess their impact on your organization.
Many roles are at risk of being replaced by bots using AI and machine learning, In order to assist employees thrive throughout this transition, it is important to identify their specific duties as soon as possible, Reducing the team's tension and anxiety throughout these changes may be accomplished by open communication and preemptive planning.

• Taking on unnecessary work
Leaders are often chosen or promoted because they understand what must be done and how to do it. This may be coupled by the harmful mindset that "if you want anything done well, you must do it yourself," which can be detrimental while leading a team, Completing or modifying workers' work because it is not to your taste, or failing to delegate responsibilities, not only adds to your workload, but also prevents your team from attaining its full potential. As leaders, we must encourage our staff to exceed expectations, It's not the same as delegating; it's challenging your team to take initiative to perform better each time and facilitating the process alongside them.

• Lacking confidence in your abilities
Someone has placed you in a position of leadership because they respect your judgement. Consistent self-doubt rubs off on others, and before you realise it, that trust has vanished. Don't be hesitant to follow your intuition.
While it is essential for innovative startups to listen to others, both staff and clients, this may often be quite risky. If you sincerely believe in what you are doing, it is OK to occasionally just listen to yourself. A leader must have confidence in their talents to achieve success.

• Saying one thing and doing another
It is your obligation as a business leader to act as a role model for your staff. Once you have established the rules and standards for your workplace, it is imperative that you adhere to them. For instance, if you want your employees to adhere to your dress code or keep a cheerful mood, you must demonstrate such behaviours yourself. Set the tone for your team's behaviour by leading by example.

• Failing to provide employee feedback
Avoiding feedback is a common leadership mistake, but open communication is essential for growth, performance, and staff retention.
Some leaders adopt a hands-off approach and only provide feedback to employees at performance assessments, This may be a significant issue for your staff and the company as a whole. Every leader must establish crystal-clear objectives and give frequent employee feedback.

• Excessive friendliness
Many executives make the error of attempting to befriend their employees to appear approachable and likeable. Everyone in a leadership position must recognise the need of creating clear limits, despite the fact that openness with employees is essential.
When leaders cross the line and become overly familiar with their people, they are more susceptible to exploitation.
Sometimes, leaders must make impartial, difficult decisions, which can be challenging if they are excessively friendly with their team. Establish and uphold clear limits.

• Lacking humility
Being in a position of power may be good for your ego, but it's important that you and your employees know you're not perfect.
Leaders should not be ashamed to own their own failures, We all have setbacks and failures, but what counts most is how we get back up and grow from those experiences. This contributes to our growth and makes us stronger.

Employees will be more receptive and certain if they realise that failure is common, even for leaders.

CTO in Healthcare and Biotech, 11 - 50 employees

Not helping our team to grow and having an obtuse mind towards growing numbers.

Not having a situational leadership mindset.

Not understand the motivations of each member of the team and how to nurture them.

Chair and Professor, Startup CTO in Education, 5,001 - 10,000 employees

Surrounded by YES man and YES women.

Director in Manufacturing, 1,001 - 5,000 employees

Lack of communication: Not effectively communicating with team members can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of direction.
Poor decision-making: Leaders who make decisions without considering the input of their team or who consistently make poor decisions can undermine morale and trust.
Micromanaging: Leaders who micromanage their team may prevent them from taking initiative and developing their skills.
Failing to delegate: Leaders who try to do everything themselves can become overwhelmed and may prevent their team from growing and developing.
Lack of transparency: Leaders who are not transparent with their team may create an environment of mistrust and fear.
Lack of empathy: Leaders who lack empathy may struggle to build strong relationships with their team and may struggle to understand and address the needs of team members.
Failing to set clear goals: Leaders who do not set clear goals for their team may create confusion and a lack of focus.
Lack of accountability: Leaders who are not held accountable for their actions may not take responsibility for their mistakes, which can create a negative culture.
Failing to provide support: Leaders who do not provide support to their team may cause team members to feel unsupported and may lead to a decrease in productivity. OpenAPI ChatGPT

Chief Executive Officer in Services (non-Government), 51 - 200 employees

I believe they mostly revolve around not setting clear goals, not listening to employees, micromanaging, not involving others in decision-making, not delegating tasks, playing favorites, not providing feedback, failing to recognize and reward good performance, not encouraging innovation and creativity, not adapting to a changing environment, not allowing mistakes, and focusing too much on short-term gains. It's a never-ending journey of lessons and growth.

Principal, Digital Transformation in IT Services, 201 - 500 employees

Thinking it's your job to have all the answers.