6 Common Mistakes Leaders Make
We are all human so/and we all make mistakes. Let’s be clear about that before we start.
We can avoid some mistakes by chalking them up to another learning experience. Some errors have trickle-down effects that can impact and influence other people. When you lead a team, you increase those odds.
Years ago, I read one of my all-time favorite books written by Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Over the years, after several readings, I have summarized six major points for myself – mistakes I consciously try to avoid making – or at least not more than once. (smile) I am not the only one. The book has sold over 30 million copies (six I bought – and gave away in workshops)!
I am pleased to share his timeless principles for dealing with other human beings.
You will likely think that these are so simple, so foundational to the suceffortcess of a team of humans, that they surely would never be forgotten. And then, in the next moment, you will remember those people in your life who were leaders and did exactly that.
1. Do not take your team for granted
Becoming genuinely interested in others means doing more than a surface question – “how are you doing?”
We are all guilty of the somewhat inauthentic inquiry into someone’s well-being in the workplace. You know, that rushed greeting where you go through the motions while two or three other priorities take up most of your mental real estate?
If you want to inspire in your team a sincere interest in the success of your organization, start by showing a sincere interest in them as people.
It takes effort, but the rewards are well worth your investment.
2. Do not forget to smile
A smile is the most effortless thing your face can do. It’s a gift you can give to any member of your team!
A smile is a simple yet powerful tool. Smiles inspire positive outlooks, and recent brain science publications support its benefits.
A sincere smile adds a positive outlook and sets the mood. If you are a manager or supervisor, it’s your duty to lead by example. Yes, there will always be days when this is easier said than done, but those days are especially when you must be at your best and smiling.
3. Do not forget a person’s name
Remembering to use people’s names at every possible opportunity leaves them with a lasting sense of respect and even trust.
We can make people feel highly valued and important by remembering their names. Use this powerful tool. It requires minimal effort, and the effects are phenomenal.
Validate people and address them by their name. A person’s name is the most important sound to them.
4. Do not be a poor listener
First, be a good listener. Then, encourage people to talk about themselves. The quickest way to improve your conversational skills is to improve your listening skills.
The first step toward improving your listening skills is to care about what people have to say. Being a good listener means acting in a genuine way towards others. This will not go unnoticed.
I recommend “How to Become a Better Listener” for tips on improving your skills.
5. Do not neglect the interest of others
Be extra aware. Awareness requires consciously being present in your conversations with individual team members.
When we remember and talk to people about what they are interested in or what their challenges are at work (or with their families), people will feel valued and value you as their manager in return.
6. Do not forget to make people feel important
Treating other people how we would like to be treated is the basic rule of life.
Talk to people in a way that establishes their importance. It could be a validation of what they already know about their value to the organization or a reminder that you see their value to the organization. It all boils down to helping others feel good about what they do and how they contribute.
Practicing these six principles takes little effort and will profoundly affect you and your entire team.
Quick bonus….
One of my favorite sources of additional information is the Harvard Business Review. Here is a great article called 5 Mistakes New Managers Make
Something To Read
One of my all-time favorite books is Dale Carnegie’s influential book How to Win Friends and Influence People.
