To be effective, a leader must be comfortable being in charge, at ease with being in command. They must give direction with the calm confidence that their instructions will be followed. They must have the strength of will and character to follow up effectively to ensure that their directives are carried out properly and then have the courage to have crucial conversations if they are not.
Some in leadership positions are reluctant to hold their people fully accountable, preferring to “protect” their team rather than grow or challenge them. They tell themselves they are being “nice”, avoiding hurt feelings but in reality, they are letting their team down. The real truth is they are more motivated by a deep and abiding personal fear of confronting difficult issues and it is themselves and their own inadequacies as a leader they are really trying to protect.
Sadly, leaders without courage regularly pass up terrific mutual growth opportunities and thus doom themselves and their team to mediocrity.
Closing Quotes:
“The most insidious form of sabotage is low expectations.” – NSC
“Conflict Avoidance – if we don’t deal with what’s happening, like a missed deadline, then we “teach” everyone that accountability isn’t taken seriously.” – Christine Comaford, Forbes Contributor
“Ways Leaders Sabotage Teams: Avoiding Conflict: A strong leader knows that confrontation is inevitable. The most effective leaders anticipate conflict and manage appropriately.” – Front Line Leadership
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier