Don’t be that leader.
You know the one I mean.
Don’t be that leader who, while clearly having some solid leadership skills, nonetheless seems to annoy people on a regular basis through seemingly minor habits.
The problem is that many of these habits, while indeed minor in and of themselves, can have fairly drastic consequences. The leader who indulges in these annoying leadership habits will soon find their team disengaging and their credibility suffering.
Don’t be that leader.
So, who is that leader, really? And what are those habits?
This is hardly an exhaustive list, but you’ll get the idea.
Don’t be that leader who…
1. Calls a meeting with no clear purpose
2. Doesn’t make eye contact during a conversation
3. Puts in less effort than what is expected from the team
4. Spins poor results
5. Can’t clearly articulate the vision
6. Can’t remember people’s names in the organization
7. Is stingy in passing out praise for a well-done job
8. Is not punctual
9. Uses inappropriate humor and language
10. Easily loses their temper
Don’t be that leader.
How do you avoid being that leader?
It begins and ends with character development. The underlying cause of each of these habits is a character flaw that must be addressed. Often it’s arrogance, selfishness, or lack of self-awareness. Sometimes it’s lack of discipline or insecurity.
Take a personal audit, using this list. And feel free to add to it, using habits you find distasteful in other leaders you know.
You might consider asking a trusted colleague or mentor to provide you with their assessment too.
At the first sign of trouble just commit to eradicating that habit out of your leadership life.
Pay attention to these indicators. Because leaders who fail to do so will find their credibility diminishing and their team disengaging.
Don’t be that leader.
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