Guilty as charged (2)

Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. Peter Drucker

Last week, we shared our five “sins” of leadership:

Indecisiveness, The know-it-all syndrome, Negativism, Failure to invest in developing your team and not learning to read people

In conclusion we share our last five “sins” of leadership

Not being Authentic: This is just one “sin” that is unforgiveable. It’s so obvious yet those who remain unauthentic in their dealings do not realise how glaring this trait is. Never fake who you are. People can sense it and they will repulse you for it. Be you. Be authentic. Let people know you are human and have weaknesses too. Let them see you overcome your weaknesses and fear and achieve results. You’re more impactful, real and….authentic! Learn how to dial up authenticity in your everyday work and life and see how people pick up on your leadership and do same in their lives and work.

Withholding feedback:  Leadership is tough work. It involves assessing and giving honest feedback. If team members are not pulling their weight in a particular area, it is the responsibility of the leader to let them know. Don’t wait for “appraisal season”, talk to them often and go an extra mile to see how you can help them become better.

All work and no play syndrome: Of course, ensuring an organisation remains profitable is serious business. However, you must never let the seriousness overshadow the need to have fun. Learn to celebrate and mark special days or seasons with your team. Infuse fun and laughter into your culture which is one employee engagement and retention strategy. Jack Welch said “celebrating makes people feel like winners and creates an atmosphere of recognition and positive energy.”

Thinning yourself out: As a leader, there is the temptation to want to do everything yourself. Don’t fall for it. Learn to delegate, coach others and monitor the progress of the team. Never lose sight of the conceptual nature of your work. Burning-out should be avoided as much as possible.

Placing results above values: There’s a tendency to focus on results at the expense of maintaining strong ethics and values as a leader. Our values and ethics must never be sacrificed for results. Avoid letting this happen to you. Maintain integrity, honesty, the policy of doing things right.

Leadership is serious business: When we get better at leading others, we and our organisations profit directly and indirectly from it. Are you guilty as charged? Or discharged and acquitted on all 10 counts of “leadership sins”? It’s time to stand in your leadership dock and be the judge.

Ngozi Adebiyi