Learning how to be a good leader is hard, there are countless books, blogs and newspaper articles all chock full of tips, advice and tricks on how to be a good leader. There are many leadership styles and strategies, each with their own benefits and downsides.
Unlike most leadership tips here is some advice on what you should NOT do:
1. Don’t provide to much information: Providing too much information makes you look like a “know-it-all” and will discourage people from sharing their opinions
The Fix: Next time you have a better idea than the one currently being discussed donʼt just share it. Invite others to improve on it and discuss it.
2. Don’t use the words “But” or “However”: Using these words means that you do not agree with someone but donʼt want to directly say it. You may be trying to sugar-coat criticism but it doesnʼt help.
The Fix: The obvious first step is to not use “But” or “However.” However, the root problem is that you canʼt give out criticism well. Give it out directly, donʼt try to make it sound better.
3. Don’t share your “Smart Stories”: If your contributions to water cooler talk consist of all you talking about the smart stuff you have done you seen like you have an inferiority complex.
The Fix: Good leaders have an aura around them, they donʼt need to brag. It just shows.
4. Don’t communicate when angry: You canʼt think clearly when you are angry and as a result you wonʼt communicate well
The Fix: Physically remove yourself from a situation that makes you angry. When you cool down, then you can communicate.
5. Don’t withhold helpful knowledge: If you have helpful information and you donʼt share it points to an inferiority complex, its also a great way to lose friends.
The Fix: Ask yourself what you can share with everyone. Then do it.
6. Don’t fail to give individual recognition: Your team needs to know you value them, donʼt try to keep all the praise for yourself
The Fix: When a project comes to a conclusion, publicly recognize the people who worked on it. This doesnʼt need to be elaborate, a quick announcement will do.
7. Don’t claim credit you donʼt deserve: Stealing credit will cause your team to resent you.
The Fix: Giving someone credit for something that you did is MUCH better than the reverse.
8. Don’t make excuses: If you, as a leader, make an excuse, you lose credibility.
The Fix: Next time you are about to make an excuse, STOP. Then make a declaration about how you will permanently fix the issue at hand.
9. Don’t refuse to apologize: Not apologizing when you mess up will slight your team members
The Fix: When you mess up, and you will eventually, apologize fast, apologize sincerely and make clear how you will fix the situation.
10. Don’t not listen: If you donʼt listen when your team is speaking you look arrogant. It sends the message: I donʼt care.
The Fix: Eye contact. No distractions (email, phone, etc.). Repeat key points back to whoever your speaking to.
11. Don’t punish the messenger: Leaders who punish the messenger lose trust. If your team is afraid to tell you whatʼs wrong they might just stop telling you the bad news; even though you need to hear it.
The Fix: Understand that bad news is part of business. How you deal with it is where you have the opportunity to be a good leader. Bad news is an opportunity to fix something.
What could you be doing better as a leader?
Chances are that if you take a step back and evaluate your leadership style you have fallen into one of these habits. Thankfully they are easy to fix once identified.