Leadership is an exercise in constant personal growth. There’s no doubt about it — leadership is a tough gig. I think in many ways we can idealize leadership — we see it as being at the top, being in control, and having influence over others. And while these things can be true, it’s an enormous misstep to believe that leadership is all roses. After all, as Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben taught us, with great power comes great responsibility.
When we talk about leadership, it often comes off as aspirational, even noble. I think this is because leadership is so important and it is so tough. It takes a special person to lead and lead well.
A misconception for times gone by is that leaders are born. While we can have particular characteristics that lend themselves well to leadership roles, every leader has to hone and develop the skills that make them great.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of pitfalls along the way. Any one of us can fall into them if we’re not careful. And the best way to be careful? Be aware. This way, we can actively avoid major mistakes as we strive to fulfill our leadership potential.
3 Major Mistakes You Can Fall Into in Leadership
1) Designating a Hierarchy
Leadership always comes with a level of power. Oversight. While not every leader is at the “top” of the structure they work within, there’s still a temptation to see people — and the importance of their presence, opinions, and work — on a hierarchy. We all know the feeling of having your idea or input ignored for the sake of someone else’s...someone who is higher on the food chain.
If we’re not careful, we can do this. It can be totally unconscious, but we tend to value input from senior employees, those in management positions, and those in leadership more than that of others. The key thing we must recognize is that every viewpoint holds merit. Great ideas can come from humble places. The new guy with a fresh degree may innovate in ways no one else has thought of yet.
It’s a mistake to discount or dismiss the input of those with less experience or less power than we have. Does it make them automatically worth serious consideration? No. But more importantly, it doesn’t make them automatically worth dismissal, either.
2) Carrying Others
The enormous burden of leadership — and upholding one’s reputation — can cause us to do more harm than good. There is a level at which we must be aware and engaged with others, but there’s also a point where we cannot (and must not) fix or take responsibility for the actions of those around us.
Yes, there is a degree of responsibility we have for those we lead. We are responsible for giving clear direction, vision, and instruction. But if we “carry” others in that we never allow them to fail, it will only lead to a larger burden and a risk for error in the future.
As leaders, it’s our job not to tell others what to do, but to bring the best out of them. Promote growth. Inspire leadership qualities. Let others fail and learn to pick themselves up. Because the work of those we lead can reflect on us — for better or for worse — it can lead to micromanagement.
There should be mechanisms and systems in place to prevent bad work from going out, but these systems should do more than correct problems. They should teach us how to avoid them moving forward.
3) Shutting the Door to Personal Growth
If there’s one thing those of us in positions of leadership must watch for, it’s pride. Confidence is great — it allows us to sell ideas, a vision, and something worth doing and following. Pride, however, tells us that we can do no wrong. It tells us that we are always right. It leads to the myth of perfection.
A key mistake in leadership is thinking that you’ve made it. You’re the best of the best and there’s no getting any better. We all know the saying pride comes before the fall and it’s certainly true.
In order to avoid pridefulness and a sense of perfection, we have to strive to grow. If you continue your education as a lifelong learner, you will quickly see that you don’t know everything. There’s always something new to learn. This helps leaders as they consider the input and perspective of those around them. You know you aren’t automatically the most knowledgeable or skilled person in the room. You’ve just taken on a leadership position.
When you recognize this and strive for ongoing personal growth, you will be more willing to delegate tasks and pay special attention to the details.
Leaders are responsible for their own diligence. While it is easy to fall into a sense of comfort and pride, the best leaders among us are aware of their true role and the risks associated with it.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned on your leadership journey? Share your experiences in the comments.