Take a look at some of the most established business leaders in the world and it will become blatantly clear on how different the situation looks to a few decades ago. Leadership styles have altered drastically over those years and many of the antics that occurred back then would never have a place in the modern-day working world.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of weaknesses that a lot of leaders have. This is the reason MBAs are so popular, and also one of the reasons why a GMAT-waiver MBA degree is as well. In short, business leaders like to go back to basics and learn what works in the modern-day business world.
Bearing this in mind, today’s article will look at some of the biggest weaknesses and mistakes that leaders make, and just how you can rectify them if you fall into the trap.
Being stuck in your ways and unable to change
Being stagnant is one of the worst mistakes that a leader can have. Sure, you might have experienced great success with your organization over the last few years, but that doesn’t mean to say what is working now is going to work forever. You have to grow – and make sure that others who are constantly evolving are not going to overtake you.
If one were to analyze some of the biggest companies around, who are seeing their share price increase on a regular basis, one of the big attributes they share is innovation. Their products are regularly the market’s best – and so is everything that they do in their company. Don’t get left behind.
Not being able to trust employees
This is a mistake that is often accredited to new leaders, who soon learn to grow out of the process. In short, some leaders can’t help but micromanage. There is a distinct lack of trust in employees to carry out normal tasks, and this hinders everyone’s development.
Let’s not forget that leaders are anything but what a manager should be. They are not taskmasters, but instead should only contribute when it is absolutely necessary to do so.
The problem with constant connection
In today’s age, this next mistake really won’t come as a surprise. The basis of this is that some leaders are always available, usually through their mobile, for any little question.
This raises a couple of problems. Firstly, those working for the leader immediately feel as though they should be online as well. Suffice to say, this is something that can drain morale. Secondly, the habit of “always reporting” to the leader starts to occur. This ties in with the previous mistake we talked about, and it can cause the leader to start to micromanage their team and always require reports.
Sure, it might be frustrating when you can’t get hold of a leader and they are seemingly always inaccessible. In the long-term, there is every chance that this is doing your team the world of good though.