6 Leadership Tips to Avoid Weaknesses and How to Fix Them

6 Leadership Tips to Avoid Weaknesses and How to Fix Them

Leadership isn't easy. Not everyone was built to be a boss. To be a good one, it requires near-constant reflection and self-evaluation to ensure you're serving your team (and yourself) well. And if you're a bad boss, you'll constantly be looking for new employees. That's because the old adage holds true: Employees leave managers, not companies.

There are as many management and leadership theories in the world as there are theorists. But, it's fair to say that most workers instinctively look to someone who guides, rather than bosses, and to someone who provides a clear embodiment of a company's mission and values. As the boss, it is always inspiring and your team you care and understand their jobs when helping with the workload. If you allow your leadership to be guided by these principles, you're well on the way to greatness.

No one is perfect, and there's always room for improvement. Here are six common leadership weaknesses, and how you can fix them.

1. Lack of trust in employees

New leaders often either micromanage employees or take on more tasks than they can handle, all because they don't trust their teams to perform as well as they do.

2. Excessive connectivity

Being connected 24/7 has become a hallmark of the modern mobile workforce. Be a leader, not a manager. Connect when needed and be available, trust your team an do the work without you hovering.

3. Stagnancy

All leaders eventually face the danger of getting stuck in their ways. The current way of doing things may be working, but it's important not to let yourself – or your team – grow stagnant.

4. Needing to be liked

Leaders are people first, and it's natural that they want to be liked. But the need to be in everyone's good favor can sometimes cloud solid business judgment.

Instead of trying to be well-liked among your employees, seek instead to be understood and respected. Learn how to communicate openly and frequently with your team, and always keep staff members in the loop about the reason behind any decisions, popular or not.

When you're dealing with performance evaluations, Monahan recommends conducting them based on specific metrics rather than being subjective. You can't stress over being someone's friend before being their boss.

5. Hypocrisy

A "do what I say, not what I do" mentality is toxic to your work environment. As a leader, you set an example for your team. If you want your employees to respect and listen to you, you must follow your own rules. You can't hold your staff accountable if you aren't willing to work just as hard.

You don't want to isolate yourself from the rest of your team, so don't be aloof or act like you are better than your employees. This will only create tension and frustrate employees. It's better to be open about your flaws with your workers. The more transparent you are, the more authentic your entire team will be.

6. Failing to set clear expectations

Employees would rather be instructed on what to do than be left with questions and uncertainty. Providing directions and outlining missions will motivate your team and keep them on track.

As a leader, the golden rule always comes into play. Treat others how you would like to be treated.