No one wakes up in the morning deciding to be a bad boss. Yet, many leaders unconsciously fall into behaviors that stifle employee engagement and growth.
According to an article by Marcel Schwantes, poor leadership is rarely about malice; it is often simply a lack of self-awareness. To transition from being just a “boss” to a truly great leader, you must actively avoid four common pitfalls.
Here are the four behaviors you need to stop immediately if you want to build a successful and psychologically safe team:
1. Hogging the Spotlight (Taking All the Credit)
Insecure leaders ensure they are always the center of attention when things go well. They steal ideas or forget to acknowledge the team’s effort. Do this instead: Great leaders step aside and let the light shine on their employees. Giving credit where it’s due builds loyalty and trust.
2. Not Truly Listening
Many managers don’t listen to understand; they listen only while waiting for their turn to speak. This makes employees feel unseen and unimportant. Do this instead: Practice active listening. Be present and ask questions to truly understand your employees’ perspectives.
3. Hoarding Information
Keeping the team in the dark creates unnecessary anxiety and mistrust. When information is used as a tool for power, psychological safety evaporates. Do this instead: Be transparent. Share information generously to build trust and ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction.
4. Disrespecting Others
Disrespect isn’t just about shouting. It is often found in subtle actions: ignoring input, micromanaging, or not valuing other people’s time. Do this instead: Show fundamental respect in every interaction. Trust your team and give them the space they need to grow.
By becoming aware of these behaviors, you can start shifting your focus from controlling your team to inspiring them.
Source: Inc.com – Marcel Schwantes