4 Quick Ways to Spot a Leader Who’s Overestimating Their Skills

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There are leaders, and then there are people who think they are leaders. How can you tell which is which?

Well, if you spent 60 minutes in a room--say, in a meeting--with a senior manager, you could probably detect a few telltale signs within minutes that someone may be overestimating their leadership skills.

Here are my four picks, and these are real life examples from clients I've coached. I'd love to get your take in the comments if you agree or have other examples.

1. Interrupting others

You're in the middle of a presentation you've prepared in advance for days, or you're stating key points during an important strategy discussion that appears to have everyone on board. Then it happens: Your senior manager abruptly derails the lively conversation to steer it in a direction that favors his personal agenda. The tension in the room is palpable as people shift uncomfortably in their chairs as the "leader" flexes the biceps of his positional status.

2.  Speaking more than listening

You have an idea or solution to a problem that you know will work, but within minutes and with little reason or explanation, you're being told, "It's not going to work." It's not you, really. Here's the thing: Controlling, top-down bosses who only see things their way have difficulty detaching from their inner voice to consider other voices because they think they're always right. Good leaders won't make that mistake. They learn to be present and truly listen nonjudgmentally to all perspectives. When they do, they'll hear peoples' objections and fears, as well as their great ideas and solutions.

3. Closed off to feedback

Ask someone in a management role, "Can I give you some feedback?" and see how they react. If feedback is coming from a trusted source, a good leader is willing to take it in, self-reflect, learn from mistakes and improve their current situation. Insecure leaders operating from hubris rarely listen to advice and counsel from different opinions and perspectives. You won't find them leveraging wise feedback to steer them in the right direction because it threatens their authoritarian style.

4. Can't admit to making mistakes

The team mishandled the delivery of a client project, and now it's time to conduct a debrief and learn from the mistakes made. Since it is a team effort, a good leader will take responsibility for the failure and be the first to admit any faults rather than placing blame on others or trying to throw someone under the bus. A headstrong and unyielding boss will never acknowledge making a mistake, which becomes evident within minutes. For people working under such a boss, when employees make mistakes, it's never safe for them to risk being open enough to say, "Hey boss, I messed up." They won't and can't say this because there's fear in the atmosphere and a lack of trust.

Your turn: Any of these resonate? What would you add to this list? Let's see some examples so we can learn from each other.

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About Marcel Schwantes

Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, executive leadership coach, author, and podcast host with a worldwide following. Join here for updates, exclusive coaching videos, leadership strategies, and more.