3 bad leadership habits that undermine your success

As a leader overseeing a team, it's remarkably easy to fall into patterns, some of which can be detrimental anti-patterns.

I was introduced to this concept recently, understanding that anti-patterns are recurring practices that, despite their popularity, are fundamentally flawed and counterproductive, exacerbating problems rather than solving them.

Today, I want to address three anti-patterns in leadership you may be experiencing and offer suggestions on how to replace them with effective habits to optimise your role as a leader.

Wearing the "busy badge" is a common pitfall. Some leaders become so engulfed in busyness that they neglect to organise their day and prioritise tasks effectively.

Contrary to societal beliefs, the "busy badge" is not an emblem of honour. Focusing on everything all the time is impractical. To counteract this, I urge you to be intentional about recognising your priorities.

Congratulate yourself for setting aside less urgent tasks. While it may initially feel counterproductive, the habit of prioritising and weekly self-reviews can restore your sense of control and align your efforts with intentionality.

“Being the Solutionist 24/7”. When team members approach you with issues, there's often a reflex to provide instant solutions.

However, this can foster dependency and hinder your team members' growth. I'm of the firm belief that, at the end of the day, as managers, we should all be training leaders.

So instead of immediately offering solutions, consider responding with questions or a list of resources and coaching your team to develop effective problem-solving skills.

This approach not only empowers your team but also cultivates a culture of self-reliant and thoughtful leaders.

"Crippled by analysis paralysis." Face it, the truth is that you can’t always make the perfect decision, but what you can do is demonstrate that you have thought through the risks and benefits of each decision.

Evaluate what the upside and downside are, and then ask yourself, “Can I live with the downside?" Use this habit to navigate through the uncertainty that decision-making often brings.

It's about finding a balance between thorough consideration and timely action, understanding that perfection is not always attainable.

Embrace this habit to navigate the uncertainty of decision-making, striking a balance between thorough consideration and timely action.

This approach fosters a culture where learning from both successes and setbacks is highly valued.

Recognising and understanding anti-patterns is crucial for professionals seeking to enhance their practices and optimise outcomes.

By shedding the "busy badge," resisting the urge to be a "solutionist 24/7," and avoiding the trap of "analysis paralysis," you not only become a more effective leader but also contribute to the creation of a workplace culture that values intentionality, empowerment, and continuous learning.

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