Good leaders are always reflecting on their performance and trying to determine how they can better serve their team. So, if you’re reading this article, you’re already showing some of the essential traits of a good leader!
Of course, there’s always room for improvement. And there are plenty of characteristics and actions that every business leader should avoid; while there are plenty of bad bosses in the world, even the good ones are at risk of losing their edge!
To help you become a better leader and guide your company to long-term growth and success, here are six common pitfalls to steer clear of:
1. Neglecting Administrative Tasks
At some point, most business owners and leaders pass on administrative tasks to assistants or other employees. However, at the end of the day, leaders are ultimately responsible when something goes bad. Make sure you have a basic understanding of the administrative responsibilities within your company. Also, choose qualified team members to fill roles, and keep them trained.
Failing to handle legal matters, for instance, can get your company in a lot of hot water. Save your business from major setbacks by staying on top of legal requirements. For example, you can work with an online service to form an LLC. Not only will this ensure the process is thoroughly and accurately completed, but it will allow you to focus on running the business in the meantime.
2. Lacking Focus
Bad leaders often show a lack of focus on the company’s overarching goals. Sometimes this is due to them being overwhelmed, sometimes it’s because of a general sense of apathy, and sometimes it’s something else. The thing is, there’s no way to achieve long-term success without a leader being able to stay focused on goals. You must consider your company’s goals with every decision you make.
3. Poor Temperament
Everyone has had—or heard about—a boss who is a “loose cannon.” Being eccentric is fine; many of the world’s leading entrepreneurs are characterized as being eccentric. But you must be able to keep your emotions in order and know when and when not to speak your mind. No one wants to follow a person who can become unhinged at the drop of a hat.
4. Displaying Apathy
Do you know any inspiring leaders who don’t care about what they do? Probably not. One of the most fundamental traits of an effective leader is passion. If you’ve lost passion for what you do, find a way to reignite it. It will shine through everything you do and ultimately reveal itself through your commitment to the company’s goals.
5. Bad Communication
As a leader, you need to know how to write and speak effectively. Poor communication is perhaps the most common issue among leaders, and it’s virtually impossible to achieve long-term success when you can’t communicate with others.
Misunderstandings, failures, unhappy customers and team members—these are just a few of many problems that can arise from poor communication. Always be aware of how well (or not well) you’re communicating your vision, goals, and strategy.
6. Being Unteachable
Finally, remember that there’s always room for improvement. You can always learn something new, and you can always sharpen a skill. So, remain coachable. Read leadership books, go to leadership conferences, and find online leadership courses.
People don’t look for perfect people to follow. But a leader must possess certain skills, along with the eagerness to constantly improve. By avoiding the derailers above, you can put yourself in a great position to become an effective leader that inspires your workers to respond. And the long-term health of your business will be all the better for it.