Berger Leadership Blog

Whether a seasoned leader or taking on the role for the first time, there is always room to grow managerial and organizational abilities. However, on the path to growth, it can be easy to fall into poor habits that reflect badly on our organizations and team members.

To prevent these habits from creeping up, it is good to reflect on our leadership styles every now and then to ensure we are on the right path. With that in mind, here are six mistakes often made and the strategies necessary to steer clear of them.

1. Creating a habit of over-complicating. As leaders are pulled in many different directions each day, we need to be mindful that we are not clogging internal processes or organizational results. Instead, we should be looking for inefficiencies to weed out.
2. Falling into the "commander" mindset. While we want everything to go as planned, we need to be wary of micromanaging and telling employees exactly what they need to do and when. If you set out clear goals from the beginning and invite employee collaboration, you will likely end up at much better results.
3. Ineffectual communication skills. Make sure the lines of communication between you and your teammates are open. Effective communication is not micromanaging.
4. Inconsistency around expectations. A lack of clarity can cloud workplace productivity. Leaders must remain focused on results – even outlining the top three to five organizational priorities so employees know exactly what they are working towards.
5. Failing to lead with purpose. Leadership without a purpose will only cause employee disengagement. However, the opposite is also true: If you give employees the "why" behind their work, they will become committed to your purpose.
6. Prioritizing process over people. While rather self-explanatory, anytime you put process over people you'll have a very unproductive, disengaged workforce. Instead, invest in the resources necessary to build upon your employees' strengths and watch your organization's results improve.

For leaders old and new, reflecting on these mistakes can ensure we create the best possible environment for our employees and organizations. Follow me on Twitter (@BDanBerger).