When Leadership Fails (and how to fix it)

Becoming a workplace leader is often a career highlight for many people. However, it doesn't take long to realize that leadership is not all glitz and glamor, the reality is it’s one of the most challenging roles anyone can take on. 

It is a responsibility that no one should take lightly.  Leaders are constantly exposed to risks and they must have a solid commitment to managing workplace challenges. Leadership is about making difficult decisions and at times those decisions can be the complete opposite of what your primal instincts are telling you. Furthermore, leaders constantly have to take the social risk of not always being loved by the masses.

Chances are you were given a leadership role because you are seen as the most suitable among your peers, it does not mean that you are guaranteed to be perfect.  Failures will still be present no matter how trained and prepared you are. But this does not mean that all mistakes are inevitable. The good news is some are still avoidable as long as you know the tell-tale signs of what failed leadership looks like and how to counter them. 

• Lack of understanding of the company’s goals

Every organisation has its values and goals. And as a leader, you must know these. Knowing your company’s purpose can help you create sound decisions for your team. However, many leaders are taking these for granted. And because they are unaware of their organisation’s goals, they cannot help their team in fulfiling their roles in achieving the company’s objectives. 

• Absence of accountability

Accountability is one of the most important traits a leader must have. While making mistakes is normal, this should not be used as an excuse for not addressing the situation. As a leader, you must own up to you and your team’s mistakes. This way you can lead by example and show that there is growth in learning. By addressing the problems, you can grow stronger as a team, build a culture of trust, and use it as a learning curve to improve. 

• Miscommunication

Communication is crucial to ensure effective leadership.  Some leaders find it challenging to communicate with their team for various reasons, such as clashes in personality and communication styles. But not communicating properly can be disastrous not only for your team but also for the whole organisation.
Additionally, listening to your team is equally important as talking to them. But in a world where people are usually busy focusing on themselves, our ability to be a listening ear and give our full attention to a concern is often neglected. It’s important to understand that great leaders are also great listeners.  Communication is a skill which can be practiced and developed.  It's a vital tool all leaders need to have in their toolkit for effective team development.  Investing in the development of your communication skills will have a profound effect on employee engagement, team culture and morale and your own success as a leader.

• Inability to guide and form a functional team

A diverse team can be both a blessing and a curse. While diversity is very much needed for a company to thrive, the differences that can transpire between you and your team can cause a rift if not appropriately handled. Failure to find your team’s right synergy can cause short- and long-term problems for the company. 
Building a functioning team requires genuine commitment. Moreover, you should be willing to listen, compromise, and understand that everyone has different points of view. It is your responsibility to make everyone feel welcome and heard. 
Therefore, a functional team can only be possible with efficient leadership. But you must also remember that your leadership must not hinder creativity or discourage individual contribution. Rather, it needs to promote a culture of openness to new ideas and constructive criticisms.

Improve your leadership skills with us

Taking on a leadership role does not have to be difficult and scary. With proper training and mentoring, anyone can become a successful leader. Leadership development organistions such as Corporate Learning Solutions offer courses for leadership and management that you can use to help your team grow and improve. 
If you want to know more about how we can help your organisation to develop their leaders visit our website at www.corplearn.com.au.