It is often said that 90% of leadership failures are character failures. I have found this to be true. Skills and strategies may take you far, but your character is what will keep you there.
It is always important to talk about the positives of leadership and this includes courage, vision, influence. But lately, I have been reminded that it is just as important to learn about the dangerous behaviours leaders must avoid.
There may be more than five, but today I want to look at five that I believe, once you become a leader, you must drop. They may seem small, but they are dangerous and will quietly erode your credibility and influence.
1. Criticising
Leaders should correct, guide, and coach but constant criticism destroys trust. Very early in my leadership journey, as a leader on campus, I learnt that it is a waste of time to criticise someone you have not taught. What earns you the credit to criticise is that you have taken time to teach people what is expected. When you criticise without building, you tear down the very people you are meant to lead. Leaders give feedback with respect and aim to improve, not to humiliate.
2. Complaining
The opposite of accepting responsibility is complaining, and leaders are people who accept responsibility for something. Complaining drains energy. It sends a message of helplessness. Instead of complaining, you seek solutions. Even when things go wrong, your team should see hope and direction in you.
3. Comparing
In one of my letters, I talked about “the comparison leader” and I identified how destructive comparison can be to you and your leadership. Comparing yourself and results or destrcutive, so also, comparing people or teams creates insecurity and competition instead of growth. Every person brings something unique so wise leaders develop each person’s strengths rather than setting them against each other.
4. Competing
Where you see comparison, you experience unhealthy competition. Of course, if you work within the private sector, competitors exist in businesses. Competition between companies can be healthy, but competition inside your team is poison. You cannot reward competition and expect cooperation. Leaders who compete with their own people lose their moral authority. Your job is to lift your team, not outshine them.
5. Contending
I’ve consulted for leadership teams solving problems of contention. Contention is fighting for the sake of fighting. Some people enjoy it and it is the cousin of comparison and competition. It breeds division and distraction. Leaders who thrive on arguments and power struggles lose focus on the real mission. Leaders must choose peace and direction over drama and distraction.
As I conclude this letter, I want to remind you that leadership is not about perfection, and my letters are not targeted at judging or condemning you but to bring about self-awareness and growth. When you notice these behaviours in yourself, don’t condemn yourself, but rather pause, reflect, and choose a better way.
Great leaders rise above these traps, and that is what I desire for you.
I am rooting for you,
The Great Owete