We often tend to invest so much into the expectations of our leaders. We genuinely want to see leaders succeed, but sometimes the person we think was above criticism turns out not to be. It is imperative to understand the reasons why leadership fails, and we need to know what to look for in a leader and qualities that need to be avoided. Bear in mind that people can change just like situations change, and the leadership requirements can differ, making it hard to predict.
Here are six reasons why leadership fails and what can be done about it:
Pathological personality traits
Quite often, there is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. Healthy insecurities can often border paranoia. Narcissism and power have long been used to construct leadership. This means that on the surface, everything seems fine, but inside looks like a tornado went through. To differentiate between an energetic, competent leader and a power-hungry maniac, you need to carefully look through a person’s track record.
Affecting the culture of an organization negatively
The key leader’s vision is what determines and sets the culture of an organization. An effective leader will always uphold the organization’s culture in his actions, both verbally and through actions and the employees will follow his suit. While some leaders bring innovation, a friendly work environment, and healthy competition to the work culture, some bring gossip, rudeness, and an unfriendly attitude. It is observed that leaders that have attended an instructional design course, tend to have more impact on their business culture as they are armed with the aids to positively influence their business without much resistance
Insufficient ethical development
We mature emotionally as we grow up and go through several stages of moral development. From the simplest to the more complex, people tend to get stuck at the early stage of ethical development. This means that most times, the same question is asked, “what is in it for me?” in these cases, it is the person in the leadership spot who will benefit from the disadvantages of the people that are led.
The “Brittle” Approach
Consistency is quite often looked at as a good thing; sometimes, however, it can be taken too far. Goals might need to be altered, but the leader who remains focused on the main goals at all costs will open themselves up to leadership failure.
Ironically this can go along with the fear of failure and avoiding risk to a high level. As a result, the organization can do a great job of achieving the goal that has turned out to be wrong or misguided. By contrast, good leaders will demonstrate flexibility.
Lack of knowledge
A leader may be compassionate and assertive, which is a rare yet perfect combination in a leader. But if he lacks the basic knowledge that is necessary to handle his team, make key decisions, and handle various stakeholders, then he may very well be clubbed in the category of an ineffective leader. So, managers/key decision-makers can undertake specific training certification programs that can help them develop their skillsets, which in turn will help them make efficient decisions.
Losing sight of the goals
A good leader won’t lose sight of what the real aim is and its importance. The goal may be to open more retail locations in underserving areas; you can have the capital that is needed to do this if the sales that are at the existing stores are increased by around seven percent in one year. It is easy to focus on increasing sales while forgetting the reasons behind why you are doing it. There I more than one way for you to raise the capital for your goals.
Unforeseeable problems that occur due to personal failure, or due to a leader refusing to move forward and strive to improve their leadership qualities.
Leadership failures can be avoided or even shut down completely if there is a leader who is committed to improving and surrounding themselves with the people who are willing to speak the truth and bring up things that may seem uncomfortable but necessary. The trusted people can be a spouse, a friend, or an executive coach. Their value cannot be exaggerated.
There are experts out there that can give you the advice and tips that you need to avoid failing as an executive leader.
