10 common leadership mistakes
If I ask you if you can pick out a good or bad boss that you have had in the past, you can certainly do so. The characteristics that shape them are of course individual in relation to the employee. But there are still some common denominators. During my years, where I have both supported other managers and worked as a manager myself, I have come to the conclusion that the most common mistakes managers make.
1. The manager misses the relationship with the employees
Many managers miss the fact that leadership is about emotions. Both in terms of the willingness and trust from employees to let themselves be led. But also for the manager to let the group solve problems and carry their manager. In order for a group to develop, it is fundamental that the relationship between manager and employee is good. You simply need to continuously invest in the relationship and get to know your employees on as deep a level as possible.
2. The manager applies a closed style
There are different types of people. The extroverts who are open as a book and those who are introverts who are reluctant to let anyone into their lives. Then of course there is a palette of types in between. A good manager manages to adapt their leadership according to each employee's personality type. But a closed manager who does not share anything about themselves, what they did this weekend and when they face challenges leads to equally closed employees. Such a group will never develop and reach their full potential. But, it is very common. One of the reasons for this is that the job of a manager is often exposed. Getting personal and private can feel like a weakness in front of employees. However, it is the opposite, a superpower.
3. The manager misses the power of the group
An experienced manager knows that it is not smart to solve all problems yourself. There are many reasons for this. A big one is that there is not enough time. Another is that the solution will be better if more people are involved and develop it. The third is that your employees appreciate being involved in making decisions.
4. Too much PowerPoint
Is it possible to lead a meeting without a presentation? The moment my boss starts a presentation, I listen with half an ear. Start practicing communicating what you want to say without a presentation. Direct Communication will be something completely different.
5. In uncertain situations, the manager compensates through authority
Working as a manager is an incredibly rewarding job. But it is and should sometimes be very challenging. It is natural for a manager to become insecure. Some managers then try to compensate for their insecurity by, for example, showing off their position. However, your employees quickly notice that you are not genuine, which has a negative impact on the group. Being open about not knowing everything instead leads to openness, which contributes to psychological security.
6. The manager gets stuck in one leadership style
Modern leadership is about being able to adapt your style to the situation. But it is certainly best if you as a manager are always allowed to devote yourself to the style that suits you best. The connecting leader works perfectly when the group is new. However, when the group does not follow the guidelines, the leader must switch to a more controlling leadership. However, this transition can sometimes be difficult.
7. Too little praise
So easy to say but oh so hard to remember in everyday life. Everyone wants to be seen and noticed. It makes an employee feel secure. Yet that is exactly what many managers miss.
8. The manager waits too long to take action
Many employment law situations could have been avoided if action had been taken at an earlier stage. Most often, this is because the manager is unsure and hopes that things will work out.
9. The manager accepts the poor work environment
A manager is an employer's representative. With that comes responsibility for the work environment. A manager who suffers from a poor work environment will not be able to feel good at work. This gives rise to a variety of symptoms. Bullying and harassment are much more common in this type of environment. The manager often becomes less patient and the employees more critical. A breeding ground for many conflicts and dissatisfaction.
10. The boss feels alone and has no support.
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Good luck, and don't forget to get in touch if you have any questions.
Christoffer Lewinowitz
Employer lawyer
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