7 things you do that your leader can't stand

“The cost of leadership is self-interest.” - Simon Sinek

In this space last week, I wrote about “The 7 things you do as a leader that your team can’t stand.” It was an attempt to pull back the curtain and look at the things that you do as a leader that your people struggle with.

As promised, this week the script is flipped. It’s time to take a look at the things that people in the organization do that the leader can’t stand. It’s only fair considering the number of people who at one time or another have said they work for an idiot.

Keep in mind, the observations from this article, including the one from last week, are not designed to be used as ammunition to go after one another. They are designed to put into context the necessity of a greater conversation that’s needed.

So what are the seven things you do that your leader can’t stand? This isn’t an exhaustive list but represents some of the more common ones.

1. You are not a team player

When the reality or the perception is that you do what you do more for the benefit of yourself than for the benefit of the team, it will rub your leader the wrong way. Team players lift their leader, their peers, and thus, the entire organization.

Your leader can’t stand your self-centeredness.

2. You play politics

When you elect to engage in the office politics game it’s a demonstration that you have lost your focus and calls your motives into question. What your leader needs is not your skill at manipulating others, but your ability to empower others.

Your leader can’t stand you stirring up dissension.

3. You point out problems, provide no solutions

I’ve yet to find a perfect organization. Chances are, yours isn’t one of them. But if all you do is point out problems without providing solutions, it can be a source of frustration for your leader. Henry Ford said it well, “Don’t find fault, find a remedy.”

Your leader can’t stand you griping about things you’re not willing to fix.

4. You don’t go above and beyond what’s required

The ability of your organization to move beyond the level of mediocrity rests with its people willing to go the extra mile to make it happen. But whenever people are not willing to embrace an above and beyond work ethic, it will be hard to rise above that level of mediocrity. So long as people are content to show up and do the minimum amount of work in order to get a paycheck, it will always be a struggle to move your organization forward.

Your leader can’t stand people who only give minimal effort.

5. You are not willing to take risks, you play it safe

This is not about taking reckless risks or behaviors that would otherwise put the organization in jeopardy. But it does demonstrate that you are willing to think outside the box, that you are open to creative solutions, and that you take nothing for granted in terms of where the organization is and where it expects to go.

Your leader can’t stand small thinking.

6. You stop growing and learning

No matter how good you are at doing what you do, there will always be room for improvement and something to learn. As John Maxwell said, “No matter how much it costs you to keep growing and learning, the cost of doing nothing is greater.”

Your leader can’t stand your limited thinking.

7. You don’t lead yourself well

In the final analysis, your ability to lead yourself is what matters. You must take responsibility for your personal growth and development. Before fixing everything around you, you must fix what’s wrong within you.

Your leader can’t stand you not growing as a leader

It’s time for some conversations. I invite you to join in.

©2019 Doug Dickerson

Read more at https://www.dougdickerson.net/