Because many leaders aren’t as good as they think they are, John Eades* suggests a few warning signs that point to a bad boss.
As he read the feedback from his team, I saw his expression change from excited to disappointed.
He looked up and said through his camera on Zoom: “It’s hard to believe they don’t think I listen to them and that I don’t have their back.”
“As hard as it is to read these comments, I respect their opinions and perspectives.”
“I never got to voice the things that the previous managers in my career did that demotivated me.”
However, I have been leading this team for years, and it’s probably too late to change.
My team knows me too well.
“They would never think of me any other way, even if I did change the way I led.”
There was some truth behind his words.
The reality, however, is that he had the ability to change, and his people would give him the opportunity to do so.
Just because you’re currently a bad leader, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.
Based on our research, we’ve found that there are often some simple qualities that make someone a bad leader.
Selfish
It’s no surprise that managers who are selfish are looked at as bad leaders.
All humans are naturally wired to think of themselves first.
Just think of the last time you saw a group picture on social media. Without thinking, you scan the picture looking for yourself first.
What great leaders have figured out is that their job is to serve others not just serve their selfish desires.
If you struggle with being selfish, one of the best ways to break the habit is by intentionally doing acts of service.
Poor Communicator
Effective communication is at the heart of effective leadership.
In order to be a more effective communicator focus on the 3Cs of Successful communication.
Your words have to be clear, concise, and conclusive.
Inconsistent
When leaders are inconsistent, they create a sense of uncertainty and doubt in others that is almost impossible to overcome.
While this might seem obvious, being consistent with principles or standards of behaviour can be one of the hardest things for any leader to master.
Just think about all the things you need to be consistent with day-in-day-out in your role and life.
Showing up to work on time; work ethic; being an example for others; setting goals and achieving them; coaching others; the list goes on.
Micromanager
For the sake of clarity, let’s get clear on what it means to be a micromanager.
The dictionary defines it as “manage[ment] especially with excessive control or attention on details”.
It is common for micromanagers to have narcissistic or perfectionist tendencies which can influence how they delegate work to their team.
These managers don’t believe the work can be done properly by anyone but themselves.
Being a micromanager is not what the best leaders do; but, at least they are involved, albeit too frequently and in the wrong way.
Oblivious
Much like the opening example, most leaders think they are self-aware but when they actually learn how their team feels their eyes are opened.
It’s impossible to get better if you have blind spots about how you’re currently leading.
Disrespectful
Respect is earned, and it’s earned through a lot of hard work and correct decision-making.
One of the quickest ways to lose the respect of others is to treat others disrespectfully.
Regardless of the role someone is in or how much experience one may have, everyone deserves to not be treated disrespectfully.
Inflexible
Greek philosopher, Heraclitus said: “Change is the only constant in life.”
Too often bad leaders get stuck in their ways and are inflexible to new and better ways of doing things.
As fast as business and innovation is happening today, leaders who are inflexible are digging their own grave.
Accepts Mediocrity
Good leaders define what good looks like and great leaders define what great looks like.
Too often bad leaders accept mediocrity when their people are capable of so much more.
The reasons for accepting mediocrity vary, but often it centres on a limiting belief in themselves or being reluctant to have difficult conversations with others.
While all bad leaders might not exhibit every one of these qualities at the same time, most of them show up when the pressure is high or things aren’t going their way.
The good news is even if you are guilty of demonstrating these qualities at various points, you don’t have to stay this way.
With a little hard work and a commitment to being the best leader you can, your brightest days are ahead.
*John Eades is the Chief Executive of LearnLoft a leadership development company. He can be contacted at johneades.com.
This article first appeared on John’s LearnLoft blog.
