Leadership is a powerful tool that can either cultivate an inspired and energetic workplace or flatten an organization’s morale. As an executive leadership coach, I’ve seen how certain leadership behaviors can systematically undermine team motivation.
A Harvard Business Review study reinforces this, revealing that 58% of employees would trust a stranger more than their own boss. To avoid becoming a statistic, it’s crucial for leaders to identify and steer clear of these motivation-crushing behaviors.
Overbearing Oversight Excessive scrutiny tells a team you don’t trust their abilities. Micromanagement not only dampens enthusiasm but can also inhibit the professional growth of team members, stifling their potential to excel independently.
Withholding Recognition Everyone needs to feel valued. When leaders fail to acknowledge accomplishments, they risk eroding their team’s drive, leading to decreased engagement and a sense of underappreciation.
Disregarding Development A lack of investment in growth can signal to employees that their future isn’t a priority. Leaders should champion learning and advancement opportunities to keep their teams striving for more.
Ignoring Employee Insights Innovation is a group effort. Leaders who overlook team contributions can create a culture of silence, where valuable ideas go unsaid and team members feel their expertise is undervalued.
Inconsistent and Vague Communication Clarity is the cornerstone of a motivated team. Inconsistencies and ambiguities in communication can cause confusion, leading to frustration and a lack of directed effort.
Imposing Unrealistic Deadlines Excessive pressure can backfire. Unattainable deadlines may push teams into a perpetual state of stress, leading to burnout and diminished quality of work.
Effective leadership requires an awareness of how certain behaviors can negatively impact team morale. By avoiding these six behaviors, leaders can foster a motivated, efficient, and positive work environment.
Lead From Within: As a leader, it’s your responsibility to inspire and empower—not to dishearten. Remember, your actions can either elevate or deflate your team’s drive. Choose to be the leader who uplifts.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.