20 habits of unsuccessful and ineffective leaders
Flickr/David Goehring
It's great to read books and articles about what the great leaders do so that we can model ourselves on the best, and I highly recommend that.
However, it's also worthwhile taking the time to understand what bad leaders do so that we can learn what to avoid which can be just as helpful.
Over my 25 years in leadership, here are some of the habits of unsuccessful and ineffectual leaders that I have seen, and in some cases, their justification for having them.
These are habits best avoided, if possible!
1. Believe they have all the answers
They know that the reason that they have been put in charge is that they are smarter and better than everyone else. So when it comes to deciding strategy, solving problems, or resolving issues, there is no need, or point in involving anyone else.
2. React, don't respond
Driven by their emotions, they react quickly to situations without worrying about facts or the repercussions of their actions.
They can always show good emotional intelligence by apologizing later.
William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
3. Take big risks, the bigger the better
They like to gamble and take big risks. Believing in the adage "Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained" and that Smart Risk taking is for wimps.
When I questioned a decision that one boss was taking his response was, "That's not your concern, I get paid big bucks to take the big risks and make the tough calls."
Personally, I thought he got paid the big bucks to take the right risks and to be successful, but what did I know.
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