Is it just me, or does it seem like some leaders AND executives just don’t get it — when it comes to ineffective actions and behaviors they often demonstrate that create havoc, confusion, and instability in the workplace?
Hi, I’m Theo Gilbert-Jamison with Performance Solutions by Design, and as a author, leadership consultant, and executive coach – it’s unbelievable how often I hear leadership honor stories from employees.
So, allow me to quickly share what I call – The Seven Signs of an Ineffective Leader, and how to improve!
#1 – Ineffective Leaders Have No Clear Goals
Leaving the team unclear concerning what’s expected of them or what they should be focused on achieving. The end result is a disengaged team who feels that their leader either doesn’t care, is incompetent, or for some unknown reason doesn’t want them to be in the loop.
#2 – Ineffective Leaders Deliver are Poor Communicators
Both verbal and non-verbal. Some ineffective leaders are very silent, so you have no idea what they are thinking, anticipating, or expecting. Others are too evasive and non-specific so employees are still left in the dark. And when you are a poor communicator as a leader, rarely do your employees TRUST you.
#3 – Ineffective Leaders Lack Accountability
They don’t like confrontation, so they often “turn a blind eye†allowing flagrantly low job performance to go unaddressed. And just when you think other employees don’t notice your lack of accountability, guess what… they notice!
#4 – Ineffective leaders OFTEN Blame Others
This actually could go hand-in-hand with demonstrating a “lack of accountabilityâ€. When things go wrong, ineffective leaders OFTEN point fingers at everything and everyone except themselves. REMEMBER, an effective leader has no problem accepting responsibility, then immediately working toward a solution that will resolve the issue forever.
Alright, where almost halfway through our list of the seven signs of an ineffective leader!
#5 – They Have No Strategy for Improvement or Team Success
As a matter of fact, if you ask an ineffective leader, what’s part of their team’s strategic plan for the year – they’ll laugh and tell it “It as waste of timeâ€! As you can see, they have a false sense of security, thinking that what they are currently doing is working fine.
#6 – Ineffective Leaders Never Delegate
They are often cynical, skeptics when it comes delegating tasks that will help their team grow and flourish. Unfortunately, they also feel employee empowerment is a waste of time – so they do everything themselves never considering how this might be negatively impacting their team.
And finally, #7 – Ineffective Leaders Don’t Mentor Others
Their mindset is that “No one mentored or developed ME, and I turned out alright.†So, often their employees have to seek the mentorship, leadership, and career coaching from others within the organization.
Improving Your Leadership Skills
So, there you have it! The Seven Signs of an Ineffective Leader – which often lead to high levels of STRESS, FRUSTRATION, RESENTMENT, and unnecessary employee turnover within a team.
And, if you’ve identified a few things that you need to improve to become a more effective leaders there are two action steps you can implement immediately.
ONE – Commit to setting clear goals for your team; communicating them regularly so there’s no confusion concerning what’s expected, and of course being a mentor, a coach, and role model of excellence that your team trusts, honors, and respects.
And TWO – Consider becoming part of my Executive and Leadership Coaching program, where I’ll provide you with personalized, 1-on-1 leadership coaching and professional development to help you excel and optimize your team.