7 Mistakes Every Leader Should Avoid

To err is human! So goes an old aphorism. Everyone makes mistakes at some point in time. Leaders, too, being human, commit some errors in their lives. However, some mistakes are too costly, especially if you occupy a leadership position. We'd like to quickly look at those mistakes you should look out for as a leader to stay effective.

1)    Becoming too drunk on their power

Lord Acton once coined the famous words, "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."Most leaders let their titles get to their heads and think that they can do anything they want simply because they are in a position to lead. They get drunk on the glory, bend the rules, or exploit their subjects. This is a fatal error that usually leads to one's downfall. A leader is there to serve others, not the other way around. When one gives in to feelings of pride and arrogance, egos get inflamed, and s/he starts to think s/he is way too superior. Avoid the false sense of security that is brought on by arrogance. Be humble as a leader and know you must serve the people under you.

2)    Thinking they know it all

When people are in a position of power, they stop listening to others, and their word is final. Being a know-it-all leader is a deplorable attribute. A person can only be an expert in some things. Leaders should avoid the trap of thinking they know it all. An outstanding leader delegates know his strengths and weaknesses and know the right people to consult when facing challenging situations. Engage others, listen to their opinions, and make the best decisions for the organization or group. This is what makes a leader great, and it leads to the success of an enterprise.

3)    Taking shortcuts

Following the proper channels is sometimes frustrating, especially when you are impatient and the road seems long and winding. Many leaders get tempted and try to find shortcuts, no matter how unethical, and they settle for the expedient route. A leader should be patient and try as much as possible to take the proper ways and channels to a solution or reach goals. Shortcuts might eventually risk your integrity and undermine your leadership position. It can also lead to a trap or dead end, worsen problems, or undo your excellent work. 

4)    Not giving feedback

Communication is the key to running an institution smoothly. A leader needs to communicate with their team and give commendation where it is due. This motivates the team and makes them feel useful and doing meaningful work. Leaders who are only there to chastise others or those who never give feedback usually make others feel like they are not doing enough. Constructive criticism and praise improve the efficiency of the team. 

5)    Lack of vision and focus on the short-term

Leaders need more focus, enthusiasm, and inspiration. They have no real goals for the future, and they focus on the immediate minor things. Could you define your mission and have a vision for your endeavor? Do not focus on small non-essential items. As a leader, your vision will give essence to the project and motivate others. People want to follow a person with a sense of purpose and focus; they need to know that what they do matters in the long run. If you do not give your team that sense of purpose, they will lose all confidence in you as a leader.

6)    Recruiting the wrong people

A leader must know his team and choose the right person for a task. This means that they have to look for specific qualities in individuals so that they will be competent enough for the task at hand. Most leaders fail because they recruit the wrong people, and they might be caught up in trying to please friends or family and employ people who are not competent or lack integrity. Ask yourself if the person you choose to be part of your team is what you require to achieve goals.

7)    Not working on themselves

As you expect team members to improve with time, you must keep reinventing and improving yourself as a leader. Read more, improvise more, and work more on your leadership skills. The world is in flux, and old ideas get obsolete with time. Great leaders always try to be the best version of themselves, always active. 

In conclusion, leaders must work hard to stay focused, patient, and enthusiastic. Never let anything taint your reputation as a leader. Stay humble and authentic, and always maintain that stellar integrity.