Yep, it’s true. The research consistently shows that in the first 18 months of leadership, 50-70% of leaders fail. In my 30+ years of leadership and executive coaching, here are some factors that show up again and again as ones to avoid if you want to succeed as a leader:

1. Lack of Self-Awareness: Leaders who lack self-awareness don’t recognize their blind spots or understand how their actions impact others. To prevent this, leaders should actively seek feedback (individual, 360 or assessments) and engage in self-reflection to understand strengths, weaknesses and triggers.

2. Micromanagement: Overbearing micromanagement stifles creativity and demotivates team members. Keep your own performance anxiety at bay, delegate with appropriate checks, train and trust your team and empower them to make decisions within their roles.

3. Inconsistent Communication: Chaos at the top affects the entire organization. Poor communication creates confusion and undermines trust. The best leaders are transparent, listen actively, and provide clear direction.

4. Misplaced Accountability: Blaming others without taking responsibility for failures erodes trust instantly. Great leaders show courage and hold themselves accountable and foster a culture of accountability.

5. Inability To Embrace Ambiguity and Navigate Change: Refusal to adapt to change causes missed opportunities, stunted growth and stagnant innovation. Learn to see opportunity in ambiguity, learn from failures, and embrace continuous improvement.

6. Self-Focus vs Other focus: Effective leadership is about being a catalyst for collective success, not a solo player. Avoid excessive individualism and focus on collective success.

Remember, leadership is a journey of growth and learning. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can enhance your leadership effectiveness and drive positive outcomes for your team and organization.

Copyright 2024. Sheila Madden. All Rights Reserved.