Sometime back, I had the opportunity to facilitate a leadership session focused on how to lead well. The room was filled with eager leaders ready to learn and grow. After the session, one of the participants approached me with an invitation. He wanted me to conduct a similar workshop for the senior leaders in his organisation.
He explained, “I want my leaders to know what I know so we can all be aligned in leading this organisation.” Intrigued by his commitment to his team’s development, I accepted the invitation. Over the two weeks that I ran the workshop, I worked closely with the team of leaders, and the one thing that became clear was every single leader expressed the same desire, "I want to lead like our leader."
What struck me was the deep respect and alignment these leaders had with their leader's approach. They didn’t just admire him, they aspired to emulate his leadership. This experience highlighted a significant truth - the influence of a leader can shape the entire leadership culture of an organisation. However, not all leaders manage to inspire this level of admiration and alignment. In fact, many fall into common pitfalls that undermine their effectiveness.
Drawing from my experience, here are some of the most common mistakes I’ve seen business leaders make—and how to avoid them:
1. Lack of Authenticity
One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is not being authentic. Leaders often feel pressured to project a certain image or hide their vulnerabilities, fearing that showing their true selves could undermine their authority. However, when leaders are not authentic, it becomes difficult for their team to trust them. Authentic leaders are transparent about their intentions and consistent in their actions, which builds trust and fosters a culture where others feel safe to be authentic as well. Remember, people are more likely to follow someone who is genuine than someone who is pretending to be something they're not.
To grow in authenticity, embrace your true self and lead from a place of honesty and integrity. Share your values, admit when you’re wrong, and be transparent with your team. Authenticity builds trust and inspires others to bring their full selves to work.
2. Lack of Empathy
Another common mistake is neglecting empathy. Some leaders focus solely on results and forget that they are leading people, not just projects. When leaders fail to listen to their team or understand their emotions and perspectives, it can create a disconnect and lead to a lack of trust and engagement.
To become empathetic, make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak. Show genuine interest in your team members’ experiences, feelings, and ideas. Empathy fosters a deeper connection and trust, which leads to a more engaged and committed team.
3. Lack of a Clear Vision
Many leaders make the mistake of not providing a clear vision. They may be great at setting goals and targets, but they fail to communicate the bigger picture. I have found that without a clear vision, teams can feel lost, frustrated and unmotivated, unsure of how their work contributes to the organisation’s success.
Becoming a visionary requires that you take the time to reflect and develop a compelling vision for your organisation and communicate it clearly and consistently. Make sure every team member understands how their role contributes to the overall mission. A clear vision provides direction and purpose, motivating your team to work towards a shared goal.
4. Failing to Hold Themselves and Others Accountable
Accountability is crucial in leadership, yet many leaders struggle with it. They either avoid holding people accountable for fear of conflict or fail to hold themselves to the same standards they expect of others. This inconsistency can lead to a lack of respect and reliability within the team. It also sends mixed messages, where some people are expected to be accountable and the more stronger personalities are left to their own devices.
Accountability demands that you set clear expectations and follow through on commitments made. Hold yourself and all your team to the same standard of accountability for both successes and failures. Consistency in accountability builds respect and reinforces a culture of trust, reliability and integrity.
Leadership is not just about setting the direction for your team, it's about inspiring them to follow you because they believe in you and your vision. Investing in your growth to become authentic, empathetic, visionary, and accountable will not only enhance your leadership but also create a ripple effect of positive influence throughout your organisation.
What steps can you take today to lead more effectively? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s learn and grow together on this journey to becoming the best leaders we can be, as we continue to transform our lives, businesses, and the way we lead.
