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6 Sneaky Leadership Habits That Are Silently Killing Morale
Lindsay Harris • November 3, 2023
If you're anything like me, you're juggling a million things while trying to run your business, maintain a great culture, and drive performance.
But let's face it—sometimes, it's the sneaky, harmful habits that creep into our leadership and turn those well-intended juggling acts into a house of falling cards. In a realm where details matter, it's important to identify and combat these tendencies.
Here are six habits that deserve your attention:
Ignoring Your Own Shortcomings
This is a biggie. We can't expect to grow if we're not willing to see ourselves—warts and all. And trust me, your team notices those warts even if you don't. Self-awareness is key to growth, both for you and your team. Make a habit of asking for feedback, and even if it stings, absorb it. It not only fuels your personal development but also creates an atmosphere of trust and openness.
Assuming Team Members Will Always Voice Concerns
Your openness to feedback doesn't guarantee that everyone else will feel comfortable giving it. Sometimes the quietest person in the room has the most valuable insights but is too intimidated to speak up. Make your workspace a sanctuary for open dialogue—invite concerns and actively listen. This will solidify trust and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
Neglecting Individual Check-ins
Team meetings are great, but they don't replace one-on-one conversations. Checking in individually with team members is like laying down bricks to build a strong foundation. It allows for personalized conversations where you can address specific concerns, celebrate wins, and build a bond that contributes to team cohesion. Be mindful—these check-ins should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Listen as much (or more) than you talk.
Dismissing Team-building as Expendable
When budgets are tight, team-building activities seem like the fluff you can cut. But team-building is an investment, not an expense. It contributes to healthy team dynamics like nothing else, breaking down walls and fostering a sense of unity. So, whether it’s a group retreat or just an afternoon off for some fun, make it happen. The ROI on team dynamics will surprise you.
Believing 'Everything Is Fine'
Ah, the comfort zone—the place where nothing ever grows.
Artificial harmony
might make life feel cozy, but it’s a breeding ground for distrust and disengagement. Ignorance is not bliss; it's a ticking time bomb. Acknowledge that everything is not always fine and pave the way for healthy conflict and conversations. It’s through these tough discussions that breakthroughs often occur.
Underestimating the Impact of Unaddressed Issues
Small issues become big issues when they’re ignored. It's as simple as that. As a leader, you set the tone. If you brush things under the rug, your team will too. Unaddressed issues become the elephant in the room that everyone tiptoes around, but nobody confronts, creating an undercurrent of tension and inefficiency. Don't be that
leader.
—--
Changing any habit—let alone a leadership habit—takes practice, patience, and consistency. It also requires accountability. And hey, if you're thinking, "This is all great, but who’s got time for self-improvement when I’m just trying to keep the ship afloat?"—I hear you. That's where a trusted mentor or coach can be invaluable. Someone to keep you on track, challenge your thinking, and provide that objective perspective you might not get elsewhere.
Let's be real. Leadership is hard, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But the willingness to dig deep, confront these sneaky habits, and commit to change can transform the leader you are into the leader you aspire to be.
Here’s to proactive, self-aware leadership that lays the foundation for the best version of you and your team!
About Lindsay Harris and Leader Haven:
A Positive Intelligence Coach(TM) and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, Lindsay established Leader Haven to help leaders rediscover joy and dismantle dysfunction. An acclaimed speaker and coach, Lindsay finds her joy and energy sharing tools and expertise that increase productivity, give teams renewed trust and collaboration, and empower leaders with confidence, hope, and fulfillment.
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