How to Fix Common Mistakes Most Leaders Are Making

We've all been there—finding ourselves in the middle of a leadership blunder, scratching our heads and wondering, "How did I mess that up?" It happens to the best of us. One of the most important things to remember is that you are not stuck and you can make a change by simply deciding you are ready to level up your leadership skills and put in the work. Last week, we talked about the first step- awareness of the mistakes you may be making. This week, we are talking about the second step- how to fix those mistakes. Let’s go deeper into each mistake and what you should do if you have found yourself making them.

Mistake #1: Lack of Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of successful leadership, yet not being intentional with how, what, and when we communicate is a mistake many of us make. If you find yourself keeping important information to yourself or failing to clearly articulate expectations, it's time to turn things around. Start by fostering an open and transparent communication culture. Keep your team informed, encourage two-way communication, actively listen to their feedback, and express gratitude when they share their feedback. If you don’t already have regular check-ins, team meetings, and clear communication channels in place- start those immediately. These can go a long way in fixing this mistake.

Mistake #2: Micromanagement Mayhem

Micromanagement—it's a common mistake that can drive your team crazy and stifle their growth. Trust me, I've been there. To fix this, focus on delegating tasks and empowering your team to make decisions. Give them autonomy and ownership over their work. Set clear expectations, provide the necessary resources and support, and let them shine. A great thing to implement here is milestones to ensure that the work is being done but the team member still feels they have autonomy and ownership over their work. This is another place where regular check ins are incredibly helpful! Note: If you think you don’t have the time for regular check-ins, take a minute and reflect on how much time you are losing by micromanaging all of the tasks. Stepping back and giving your team room to breathe will not only boost their confidence but also foster a culture of innovation and growth.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Empathy

Empathy is a superpower that leaders sometimes forget to harness. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and deadlines, losing sight of the human beings behind the work. Team members who feel connected to the people they work with and their place of work not only stick around longer (less turnover) but also provide a higher quality of work compared to those who feel disconnected from their team and company. To fix this, make a conscious effort to understand and connect with your team members on a personal level. Show genuine interest in their lives, concerns, and aspirations. Tip: schedule 5-10 minutes at the beginning of your check-ins to connect with your team member. You can also set a monthly reminder for yourself to connect on a personal level via email with your direct reports. Remember, empathy is about putting yourself in their shoes and demonstrating care and support. Small acts of kindness, active listening, and regular one-on-one conversations can help you build a more empathetic leadership style.

Mistake #4: Lack of Recognition

Your team members work hard, and they deserve recognition for their efforts. If you find yourself overlooking their accomplishments, it's time for a change. Start acknowledging and celebrating their wins, both big and small. A simple "thank you" or a public shout-out can go a long way in boosting morale and motivation. Regularly recognize individual and team achievements, and be specific in your praise. Taking the time to show appreciation will create a positive and uplifting team culture. One thing that can help you train yourself to start doing this regularly is to have a sticky note reminder on your computer that says something along the lines of “Express gratitude”.

Mistake #5: Failure to Lead by Example

As leaders, we have a responsibility to set the tone and be the role models for our teams. If you catch yourself preaching one thing but doing another, it's time to align your actions with your words. Lead by example—be the epitome of the values and behaviors you expect from your team. Show integrity, humility, and a strong work ethic. Your team will take notice and be inspired to follow suit.

Remember, leadership is a journey of continuous growth and learning. We all make mistakes, but what matters most is our willingness to acknowledge them and take steps to fix them. So, reflect on your own leadership style, identify areas for improvement, and start implementing positive changes. Your team will thank you, and you'll become the leader you aspire to be.

Here's building a better future together!

Cheers,

Haley

PS: Share your takeaways from this post in the comments below!