10 REASONS THAT LEADERS FAIL
This post is the second of a 2 post series based on the book “Think And Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. The first post of this series highlights the differences between a leader and a follower. This post will highlight the 10 common causes for failure in leadership.
To be an effective leader… it’s equally as important to know what “not to do” as it it to know what “to do.” I hope this is helpful as you lead in your own organization.
1. INABILITY TO ORGANIZE DETAILS: No genuine leader is ever too busy to do anything which may be required of him in his capacity of leader. When a leader admits that he is too busy to change his plans, or to give attention to any emergency, he admits his inefficiency. A successful leader must be a master of all details connected with his position.
2. UNWILLINGNESS TO RENDER HUMBLE SERVICE: Truly great leaders are willing; when occasion demands, to perform any form of labor that they would ask another to perform. “The greatest among ye shall be the servant of all.” is a truth which all able leaders observe and respect.
3. EXPECTATION FOR WHAT THEY KNOW, INSTEAD OF THAT WHICH THEY DO WITH WHAT THEY KNOW: The world does not pay men for that which they know. It pays them for what they do… or what they induce others to do.
4. FEAR OF COMPETITION FROM FOLLOWERS: The leader that fears that one of his followers may take his position is practically sure to realize that fear sooner or later. A true leader empowers his followers, and embraces their talents and accomplishments for the betterment of the team and organization, without the baggage of insecurity.
5. LACK OF IMAGINATION: Without imagination, the leader is incapable of meeting emergencies, and for creating plans from which he can guide his followers efficiently.
6. SELFISHNESS: The leader who claims all of the honor for the work of his followers is sure to be met by resentment. The really great leader claims none of the honors… and is content to see the honors go to his followers.
7. INTEMPERANCE: Followers do not respect an intemperate leader. Balance… and control of emotion are two critical ingredients for the success and effectiveness of a leader.
8. DISLOYALTY: Perhaps this one should be at the top of this list. The leader that is not loyal to his trust and to his associates… those above him and those below him cannot maintain his leadership for very long. Disloyalty marks one for being less than the dust of the Earth… and brings contempt.
9. EMPHASIS OF THE AUTHORITY OF LEADERSHIP: The efficient leader leads by encouragement, and not by trying to instill fear in the hearts of his followers. If a leader is a “real” leader, he will have no need to advertise that fact except buy by his conduct, his sympathy, understanding, fairness and a demonstration that he knows his job.
10. EMPHASIS OF TITLE: The competent leader requires no title to give him the respect of his followers. The man who makes too much of his title generally has little else to emphasize. The doors to the office of the “real” leader are open to all those who wish to enter.