6 Common Leadership Mistakes That Hold Back Employee Growth

I coach leaders all around the world and in many different industries. As a leadership executive coach, I have seen firsthand the negative impact that certain mistakes can have on employee growth and development.

Here are six common leadership mistakes that hold back employee growth and how to avoid them:

Playing favoritism: It’s natural to have a few team members that you work well with or feel a closer connection to, but it’s important to treat all team members fairly and equally. This means giving equal opportunities for development and promotion. Avoid the temptation to play favorites. Instead focus on building strong relationships with all team members.

Inconsistent communication: Clear, consistent communication is essential for a successful team. If your communication is inconsistent or unclear, it can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. As a result, it can hold back employee growth and success. To avoid this mistake, make an effort to communicate clearly and consistently with your team.

Disorganization: A disorganized leader can create chaos and uncertainty for their team, which can hold back employee growth. To avoid this mistake, take the time to plan and organize your work as well as the work of your team. As a result, this will create a sense of structure and direction. Which in turn, will help employees feel more confident and motivated to grow.

Micromanagement: While it’s important for leaders to provide guidance and support, it’s also important to give team members the freedom and autonomy to take on new challenges and grow. If you’re constantly hovering and micromanaging your team, you may be holding them back from reaching their full potential. Avoid this mistake and focus on providing the resources and support your team needs, while also giving them the freedom to take ownership of their work.

Unrealistic expectations: Setting high expectations can be a great way to motivate your team, but setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration. Avoid this mistake by setting clear, achievable goals and expectations for your team, and regularly check in to see how they’re progressing.

Negative outlook: As a leader, your attitude and outlook can have a big impact on your team. If you’re constantly negative, it can be demoralizing and hold your team back from reaching their full potential. To avoid this mistake, focus on maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude, even in the face of challenges.

Undermining their value: It’s important for leaders to recognize and appreciate the value and contribution of each team member. If you consistently undermine the value and worth of your team, it can hold them back from feeling confident and motivated to grow. To avoid this mistake, take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the unique skills and contributions of each team member.

By avoiding these common leadership mistakes, you can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters employee growth and development. As a result, you’ll not only see your team members thrive, but your organization will also benefit from their increased productivity and engagement.

Lead From Within: The best leaders not only help their employees advance in their careers, but also actively avoid mistakes that hold back employee growth.


#1 N A T I O N A L  B E S T S E L L E R

The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness


After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

buy now

 


Additional Reading you might enjoy:


Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

  1. Bill Seitzler

    12. Jun, 2023

    Good stuff. Thanks for sharing. Growing our employees is such a critical component to success, especially in today’s high-turnover environment.

    Reply to this comment

Leave a Reply