The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
A well-remembered phrase! Now, can you separate the good from the ugly in your executive team? Sometimes we all get caught up with the pace and pressures of business and can’t see the wood for the trees, when in fact, if we “paused and sat back from this” we would see the Ugly side of executive performance and ineffective leaders. Whilst you could easily imagine conclusions here, perhaps rather than a “Make My Day” statement, it’s about recognising ineffective leaders and how to manage the situation. We need to do a reality check, rise above this environment and work on managing ineffective executives in an executive team.
“Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” – Warren Buffett
Can You spot an Ineffective Leader?
I am sure you’ve all heard about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People! Well,Blake Beattie talks about “The 6 Habits of Highly Ineffective Leaders” in his February 2017 article. He also shows the leadership habits that separate the good from the bad? The challenge leaders have is they are time poor and, as a result, default to a leadership style based on entrenched habits. Some of the habits are very good, but others — not so much. Many leaders aren’t even aware of the habits they have formed and the positive or negative effect they can have on their team and their business. With 20 years’ experience working closely with senior leaders across multiple industries, you begin to notice patterns. You begin to see the leaders who stand out and those that stand back. You understand why only a small number of leaders make an actual difference. The first step towards better leadership is awareness and spotting an ineffective leader who could be doing any of the following:
- Confusing effectiveness with efficiency
- Lack of team engagement
- Micromanaging
- Proliferation of meetings
- Lack of focus and the rise of Digital Distraction Devices
- Poor communication and alignment
The best leaders have great awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Knowledge of course isn’t power. It is potential power. It is what you do with that awareness that makes all the difference.
Addressing the Underperforming Executive
Ilan Mochari in an Inc. article shows “How to Address an Underperforming Executive.” You know the type: He promises but never delivers. He is hardworking–just ineffective. Or, he’s just lazy. So why are you tolerating that poor-performing exec? And if you have an under-performer on your top management team, these are the steps can you take:
- Gather the facts
- Review
- Take remedial action
- Sort out disciplinary action
Build good Leaders
There is always hope and, whilst you’re in this mindset, let’s see what makes a good leader? I outlined in my blog “Making Time for your Leadership Development even though you’re Too Busy” and being serious about making changes. You can’t be a great leader if you don’t continually develop your leadership skills. No leader is perfect, however the great leaders among us are those that recognise that there is always room for improvement within themselves and that is worth making time for. When you think you’re too busy to work on your leadership, here’s how you can make the time and further develop yourself as a leader:
- Build Your Confidence
- Look For Lessons in Leadership
- Set Aside 20 Minutes For Your Development
- Reflect On Learning Opportunities From Your Daily Interactions
Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes we need help. We are always here.
Get in touch today to learn more about how to build leadership skills and set yourself up for success!
Stay Kind. Stay Courageous.
Sonia x
