Tony (name changed to maintain confidentiality) had this tendency to show his team that he knows it all. He used to feel good that his team members came to him for solutions for every small problem. Over a period of time he realised that he was not moving up the ladder in his career because the teams working under him did not evolve and develop. So he could not develop leaders whom he could delegate and share his responsibility.
Leadership is a journey of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth. Whether you are already in a leadership position or aspiring to become a leader, there are certain pitfalls you must avoid to ensure your team thrives and achieves its full potential.
Here are three crucial things you should never do as a leader.
1. Don’t Be a Know-It-All
One of the biggest mistakes a leader can make is to adopt a “know-it-all” attitude. If you constantly provide answers before your team even asks questions, you stifle their ability to think critically and evolve. Your team members become mere order takers, lacking the initiative and creativity to solve problems independently.
Solution: Instead, encourage a culture of curiosity and learning. Pose questions to your team, challenge their assumptions, and let them come up with solutions. This not only fosters a sense of ownership but also builds a more capable and resilient team.
2. Never Fire a Team Member in Front of Others
Losing your cool and firing an employee is a sensitive task, but doing it in front of other team members can have devastating effects. Publicly getting angry at someone can severely damage their self-esteem and morale, leading to a loss of trust and respect from the entire team. Once a team member loses their self-esteem, you lose their contribution forever.
Solution: Always handle terminations privately and with dignity. Provide constructive feedback and support during the process to help the individual understand the reasons behind the decision. This approach helps maintain a respectful and professional environment, even in difficult situations.
3. Don’t Micromanage
Micromanaging is a common trap that can hinder your team’s performance and growth. When you micromanage, you not only exhaust yourself but also diminish your team’s confidence and autonomy. It creates an environment where team members feel they are not trusted to do their jobs effectively.
Solution: To avoid micromanaging, develop systems of weekly reporting and clear communication about key areas that have the most significant impact. By doing so, you empower your team to take ownership of their tasks while ensuring that you stay informed about progress and potential issues. This balance allows you to focus on strategic leadership. Also, your tendency to micromanage will reduce.
Keep these 3 things in mind while you are on your journey of evolving as a better and better leader.
P.S: Do let me know in comments below what other things one should never do as a leader.
Best wishes!
Sarabjeet Sachar
Seasoned Career Development & Leadership Coach
Founder & CEO, Aspiration