Leadership is a crucial aspect of any organization, and it’s important for leaders to constantly evaluate their own behavior and practices to ensure they are leading in the right direction.
Here are seven signs that your leadership may be going off the rails, and what you can do to get back on track:
Are you inconsistent in your leadership style? Leaders become great leaders because they are consistent. So even during times of uncertainty and volatility, staying consistent in your leadership and being intentional about practicing the traits outlined above will keep you on track.
Are you leading with ego? One of the most important qualities of a good leader is the ability to be humble. This means acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers and being open to feedback and suggestions from your team. If you find yourself becoming arrogant or dismissive of others’ ideas, it’s time to take a step back and refocus on leading with humility.
Are you resistant to change? Reacting to change is different from bringing about change. While some people live by the mantra “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” leaders can’t afford to have this mindset if they want to stay viable and competitive. Innovation is key, especially when operating environments are changing quickly. Do you want to retain your competitive advantage? Embrace the need for change and adapt accordingly.
Are you falling behind your competition? A strong leader will regularly assess their business model to determine if their products and services are still meeting the evolving needs of their customers. If not, it’s essential to embrace the need for change and make necessary adjustments in order to remain competitive.
Are you communicating ineffectively? Effective communication is crucial for good leadership. If a leader is not effectively communicating successful and not fostering a sense of collaboration and participation, it can lead to misunderstandings, low morale, and a lack of trust and respect. Therefore, regularly evaluating your communication strategies and ensuring that you are effectively connecting with your team is important for maintaining strong leadership.
Are you compromising your character? Good leaders are known for their integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. If you find yourself compromising your values or making decisions that go against your personal code of conduct, it’s time to reassess your leadership style.
Are you neglecting your professional growth? Great leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve themselves and their team. If you’re not actively seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, it’s time to start. This could involve taking on new challenges, seeking out mentors, or investing in professional development opportunities.
Lead From Within: It’s important for leaders to constantly evaluate their own behavior and practices to ensure they are leading in the right direction.
#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.