Post on 16-Apr-2017
The 7 Biggest Mistakes Most Leaders Make
And How You Can Avoid Them
Amy CastroICTS
281-728-2248Amy_Castro@ictstexas.com
www.Amy-Castro.com
The biggest disservice we do to new leaders is NOT providing adequate support in making the transition from employee to leader. @AmyPCastro
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1. Possessing poor communication skills . . .
and doing nothing about it
What’s the ONE skill that’s included in EVERY list of most important skills for leaders?
What’s in Your Communication Toolbox?
Some have this set: Some have this set:
A forum for government’s best ideas and most innovative leaders
Public Speaking
Emotional Awarenessand Control
InterpersonalSkills
Coaching &
FeedbackConflict Resolution
IntrapersonalSkills
2. Not establishing appropriate relationships with employees
AFI36-2909, Para 2.2
“Relationships are unprofessional, whether pursued on or off-duty, when they detract from the authority of superiors or result in, or reasonably create the appearance of, favoritism, misuse of office or position, or the abandonment of organizational goals for personal interests.”
Professional Caring
Creating Appropriate Relationships
• Starts on Day 1• Confidentiality• Equal time• Policies enforced fairly• Value all employees• Maintain appropriate
boundaries
3. Subjecting Employees to “Management by Magazine”
Management By Magazine
Seek Comprehensive, Sound Leadership Development OpportunitiesWhat opportunities, other than this training, have you had to improve your leadership skills?- Training classes?- Finding a mentor?- Company-sponsored leadership academy?
Type your answers in the “chat” field on your control panel!
4. Not leading by example
Does your leader lead by example?
“My boss says we should all treat each other with respect, but he belittles me in front of coworkers.”
“My manager says that we need to do a better job at communicating, but she never answers my emails.”
“My supervisor expects us to be on time, but she’s late for every staff meeting and pretty much everything else!”
Uh, no
The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.
- John Wooden
5. Not delegating
Why is delegating so ruff?
Benefits of Delegating
Better organization
Frees leader up to lead
Learning Development Morale
Confidence
Deciding What to Delegate
Inventory of roles and responsibilities
Essential job duties/responsibilities critical to performance success
5% +
Delegate to . . . Employee experts AND
Those who need to grow!
Responsibility for how the task is accomplished
Authority for decisions they can make with/without consulting someone
Stay in Your Lane
(and help employees stay in theirs!)
6. Failing to give effective feedback
Why you must provide REGULAR feedback
CoachingEmplo
yee I
nitial
Effo
rt Dealing with PerformanceProblems
Addressing Poor Performance1. Be sure they own it2. Ask what they learned from it3. Ask how they fixed it 4. Ask how they’re going to prevent it from
happening again
1. Share exactly what the person did and/or said2. Share how the behavior created positive results3. Tie the behavior to a benefit
Provide Sincere Praise Early and Often
7. Hiring in a hurry
The #1 reason companies make bad hires . . .
they compromise, they settle, they don’t hire the best person for the job. – Forbes Magazine
You have a pulse. You’re hired!
of companies said bad hires cost them $25,000+
41%
25% said it cost them $50,000+
-2013 CareerBuilder Survey
Take your time!
You don’t just need a “warm body”
Ensure fit!
May not need to fill the slot at all
Connect with me!FB: AmyPCastro
Linkedin: AmyPCastro
Twitter: @AmyPCastro
Email: Amy_Castro@ictstexas.com
Website: www.Amy-Castro.com