Picture of Leadership's Mistakes

The journey to leadership involves making mistakes. Mistakes are the seeds of great learning. If we are not making mistakes then we are not stepping out of our comfort zone and continuing our professional development. The key to great leadership, however, is recognizing when a mistake is made and taking responsibility for its impact. Leaders strive to become aware of what some of the most common mistakes are and try to avoid making them.
1-Forgetting What You Stand For.
Nothing is more confusing than to have a leader say one thing and act in a manner distinctly opposite. Sayings like "Walk the talk", have become popular as simple reminders of how important keeping your behavior and your words aligned.
2-Sounding Like Your Mother.
There can be a fine line between communicating with respectful authority versus parental commands. Using the commanding, intimidating, diminishing phrases that many of us grew up with fall out of our mouths so quickly we may surprise ourselves. I remember once using the phrase - 'I have a bone to pick with you" with one of the employees in my department. The moment I said it, I knew it was inappropriate and yet the situation which I was attempting to address reminded me very much like the one where my behavior when I was six require discipline by my mother. "Because I said so", "Do as I say" are not motivators and a leader's influence will soon wane if your style of communicating consistently borders on sounding like a parent.
3-Lacking Laughter, a Sense of Fun.
The nature of running and leading a company or department is serious business and so bringing a sense of humor and lightheartedness to the workplace can be both refreshing and rejuvenating. Taking a moment to laugh over the phrase "having a bone to pick with you" is reminder that we are all human. Leaders need to find the balance that relieves all work and no play for their teams and themselves.
4-Holding Back Information, Not Sharing What’s Needed.
Leaders have access to so much information. Many times leaders fall into the trap of censoring information; withholding information. The reasons are endless - "That involves sales, not us", "The employees will misunderstand why this is needed", etc. Leaders are role models. Leaders are the examples for others on what is acceptable behavior. An approach of withholding information can be go both ways - From the leader and to the leader. Setting the stage for open communication can be the key to not being blindsided. Sharing all kinds of information in a direct and interactive way shows a respect for others and their ability to handle information responsibly.
5-Failing to Acknowledge Progress.
The day to day tasks, meetings and deadlines can consume us. As a leader not only is the present day activities looming but we must also be looking to the future. Failing to reflect and take a good look at how far an individual, a team or whole department has come is a missed opportunity! Celebrating the small victories - a milestone met, a cost savings realized, a client compliment - can energize and motivate for weeks to come. Burnout from the pressures of both home and work activities is looming near for many workers. As a leader the effort to acknowledge a job well done, a great presentation, even acknowledging the tenacity to stick with a project can make someone's day.
Remember no one is perfect and leaders' exposure to feedback that are reminders of this is overwhelming at times. Keep these common mistakes in one of those "mind files" so a flag of caution is certain to be raised when a mistake is about to be made. And certainly, remember a simple apology and taking responsibility for your mistakes can make an otherwise long recovery much smoother and simpler.