The Seven Deadly Sins of Leadership

Some leaders believe that since they have ascended to said position, they are incapable of doing wrong.

Not even close - so herewith, the seven deadly sins of leadership; which if committed ultimately mean that the leader truly isn't leading. . .because people really don't want to follow these types of leaders.

Bitterness.     Angry, pissed off and just can't get over it.   Now isn't that attractive?  Here's a clue. . .nobody wants to work for this leader because nobody really wants to be around that stuff.    Moreover, if the individual can't get over a perceived wrong, they are looking backwards whereas strong leaders look forward.

Insecurity.   You've seen this. . .individuals who somehow get appointed to positions of leadership. . .either through chutzpah or by accident. . .but they don't have the self-confidence to truly own the position.        Nobody really wants to work for this leader. . .because the individual is too concerned about what everybody is thinking about THEM versus guiding the team to strategic thought and goal accomplishment.    Insecurity, by the way, is often a root cause of. . .

Egoism.  It's all about me. . .and if there should be a time when it's not about me . . .well, then it's about I.  If this leader were to write a book about their professional experience, every chapter would be entitled "Me."  Nobody really wants to work for this leader because we want someone to reach out and care about us. . .which the egotistical leader really cannot do.

The Leader Who is Always Right.    Not even close to a realistic point of view. . .yet some leaders feel that their self worth is tied up in being right all of the time.   Nobody really wants to work for this leader because the leader certainly does not embrace diversity of thought or the contribution of the team.    This leader pretty much disenfranchises all who work with him or her.

Dishonesty.   I have worked with leaders who have bragged to their peers about their ability to tell a lie and get away with  it.   Guess what?     Those in the audience of said braggadocio would be stupid to ever trust that individual again.       We work in a multi-dimensional environment, smart people can figure out when the truth hasn't been told.

Isolationism.  This is the leader who loves silos.  He or she builds fiefdoms, castle walls, turrets. . .everything to hold the defenses.    They do not have the skill set to build bridges and pathways. . .in other words, they do not have the ability to construct ways that people can actually get someplace.

Fear.    Not to be confused with cautious or careful.  This is the leader who cannot guide the team because he or she is fearful of the results.   Strong leaders must take courage in facts, strategies, the team and its tactics.   That's how leaders win the charge.

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Brent Frerichs is the author of "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" available for Ipads, e-readers, tablets and PCs from Amazon Kindle.   If you are a member of Amazon Prime, you can now borrow this book for free.