Avoid these 7 mistakes as a new leader
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Anyone can make mistakes at some point. Below are 7 of these mistakes to help you avoid them:
- 1. Thinking that you need to make all the decisions
Trying to make all the decisions will only make you a micro-manager. Strong leaders know that there are many other people capable of making very good decisions, and there is no better way to develop the ability to lead in others than to allow them to do so.
- 2. Thinking that you know everything
Regardless of how smart you think you are, no one wants to work or be led by a “know it all”. Strong leaders know that there will always be much to learn, and they seek new knowledge to stay active.
- 3. Not being aware that you are being watched, even when you are not.
Leaders are leaders 24/7. If you want to end your reputation for leadership, one of the simplest ways is to be one person while you lead and another very different person at other times.
- 4. Not realizing that it's not about you, but about the team
You don't need a leader if there is no one to lead. A team is the individual sum of each person. If the results are seen as team victories rather than individual victories, the leader is doing what he is supposed to do.
- 5. Be afraid to lead when you have to.
When things are going well, it is easy to lead. But it's in tough times that true leadership is needed. Don't be afraid to get up and make those calls. It does not matter if it ultimately turns out right or wrong, making difficult decisions will earn you more respect for precisely that, for being a capable person to be at all times taking responsibility and leading the situation.
- 6. Not realizing that the most important thing is what happens when you are not present
All of this has to do with the level of development of the people working around you. Great leaders can leave an organization without compromising group performance.
- 7. Finally, for all those new leaders in charge of a sales team, don't forget that your biggest problem may be trying to lead the customer.
Your job as a sales leader is to lead your team, not the customer. You precisely lead your team so that they lead their clients. Otherwise you will undermine the salesperson and make the customer come to you for answers instead of the salesperson.
I, as always, wait for you in the next one. A big greeting and a hug, Andrea.
Recommended Reading Related to Avoid These 7 Mistakes As A New Leader:
- 100 Common Sense Rules for Leaders
- The 10 Characteristics of Successful Work Teams
- Marathon runners make better CEOs. Confirmed by a study
