Unhealthy habits 2

Yesterday, I presented some 5 unhealthy habits of leaders in the workplace and I promised to give you the rest today.

A Leader’s Unhealthy Habits:

6. Obsessing to win

Some bosses have an all-consuming need to win. They need to win an argument. They need to be right all the time. They tune people out and discussing things with them becomes an exercise in futility. These bosses withhold information because winning is a game to them. Withheld information becomes a tool they can wield for winning at whatever they obsess at. This breeds mistrust when the opposite should be the case and that is to be transparent and authentic.

7. Delivering humiliating and sarcastic comments

Some bosses pride themselves into thinking that they are straight shooters and full of candor. But their critical and sarcastic remarks hurt their people and have actually driven good people away. The workplace offers no room for humiliating and offending people. No matter how low the people are in the company’s organizational chart, each person should be given respect and dignity they deserve.

8. Refusing to acknowledge fault

Even the best of leaders commit mistake. And when they do they should have the humility to own up to the mistake and apologize for it. Just say, “It’s my fault and I am sorry...” and do not add an explanation or a rationalization for the action. “I am sorry... but it is because...” is not a good thing at all. Do not mess up an apology with an excuse.

9. Always improving on another person’s idea

When someone comes with an idea, some bosses feel the constant urge of improving on the idea right away and it minimizes the accomplishment of others. Keep your peace and say, “That’s a brilliant idea...” and then let the person explain it thoroughly. Find the right timing to “suggest” improvements or better still, ask leading questions so that the person tends to believe that he or she is the one improving on the idea.

10. Being negative about things

“Let me tell you why your idea will never work...” is a big letdown for morale. Rather than looking at possibilities these kinds of leaders are focusing on restrictions and limitations and they think they are being helpful but the reality is that this attitude is merely a sinister disguise for showing off an “I know better” attitude. Ideas are quashed and creativity will be stumped.

11. Not giving proper recognition and appreciation

Work is not easy. Life is short and some days are long. Sometimes a pat on the back, a shaking of the hand and an honest to goodness compliment saying, “You’ve done very well and I am happy with the results it can fuel our people’s passion and provide them with more strength and ability to stand the stress of work and EDSA traffic.”Truth to tell, this practice is rare among middle level leaders.

12. Passing the blame

The buck stops where the leader is and there is absolutely no acceptable reason to pass the blame to someone or something else. Good leaders do not only take the responsibility for themselves but for their people as well. Passing the blame causes mistrust.

13. Always focusing on “me.”

I never fail to remind the participants in my leadership seminar this very important reminder: “Leadership begins with you, but it’s not about you.”

Good leaders bring out the best in others. And they know how to say, “Thank you.” They know they cannot do everything and they need people to help them achieve goals and targets. Good leaders are humble and respectful. They are firm but they are fair.

Great leadership is both a science and an art and it’s not just mental matters as it has a great deal to do with heart issues. Train your people on leadership skills and as your people grow, they grow your businesses but at the end of the day the crucial question remains: do you have in you what you expect your people to have? The question is…are you bringing someone somewhere? And that is what leadership is all about.

(Bring your leaders to the brand new Shangri-La Hotel at the Fort and experience two inspiring days of leadership training with Francis Kong in his highly acclaimed and updated Level Up Leadership on May 25-26. For further inquiries contact April at +639285591798 or Success Options at 7270291/7275692 or register online at www.levelupleadership.ph)