The Uncomfortable Truth: Top 5 Reasons Why You Suck Being a Leader

1. You Don’t Care Enough

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” You have to actually give a hoot about your PEOPLE. Not their performance, not their results, not what they can do for you. But rather them as a human!

To show you care:

  1. Actually care about them

  2. Give them your time - Don’t be too busy for them

  3. Show interest in their life

  4. Ask them how they are doing (not the project or job, but them!)

  5. Repeat steps 1-4

2. You Suck of Empathy

Empathy is about understanding others’ perspectives, feelings, and experiences, especially when they're venting their frustrations. Instead of rushing to find solutions, take the time to empathize with their situation. Let them know that you understand how they feel and that their emotions are valid.

To demonstrate empathy:

  1. Actually want to show empathy

  2. Genuinely try to see their point of view - it’s selfish not to

  3. Just listen; don’t fix (I want to see you actually do this)

  4. Assure them their feelings are okay and valid

  5. Repeat these steps

3. Garbage Communication Skills

Communication is more than just talking; it's about truly connecting with others. Yet, many leaders overlook the importance of effective communication, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and disengagement within their teams. Good communication is a skill that can be honed with practice and patience.

To improve communication:

  1. Actually care to improve communication (this is on you)

  2. Listen way more than you talk

  3. Don’t defend yourself so much

  4. Drop the ego (c’mon it isn’t always about you)

  5. Practice this forever and ever

4. Micromanagement (You’re a Control Freak)

Micromanagement will destroy productivity and morale. When leaders insist on controlling every aspect of their team’s work, they wreck creativity, initiative, and growth. Trusting your team members to handle their responsibilities helps them to excel and frees you to focus on bigger-picture tasks.

To break free from micromanagement:

  1. Actually realize that you’re doing it and want to change

  2. Determine your team’s competency; what can they handle?

  3. Spend time training rather than micromanaging

  4. Allow other people to mess up sometimes

  5. Rinse and repeat

5. You’re a Wuss (Aka Avoiding Discomfort)

As humans, we’re wired to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. However, growth and progress often lie outside our comfort zones. Leaders who shy away from difficult conversations or challenging situations hinder their own development and that of their teams.

To confront discomfort:

  1. Believe that the discomfort is for the good of everyone

  2. Start small

  3. Be clear about your intentions

  4. Set clear expectations

  5. Do it again

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