- Micromanaging. When leaders micromanage, they unintentionally undermine their team. It is natural to want to help, however, too much guidance can feel like impatience, worry, or mistrust to others. As a leader, you want to instill confidence in people. You can do this by allowing employees to figure things out themselves. Let them struggle (a little bit) and make mistakes! This process builds self-efficacy.
- Avoiding Conflict. Conflict can be uncomfortable, and it may seem easier to avoid than face it. But, when leaders do not address conflict, things can fester and become much larger issues than they were initially. It is best to handle conflict as it arises and “nip it in the bud!”
- Not Delivering. Leaders must keep their word and make commitments. When leaders do not deliver, their team will feel disappointment and mistrust. It is crucial to be transparent and realistic- especially when the same is expected of others.
- Taking on Unnecessary Work. Taking on extra work often originates from an “if you want something done right, do it yourself” attitude. This is dangerous because it creates unnecessary responsibility for you as a leader, as well as undermines your team’s ability to reach their potential. It is important to communicate your needs with people clearly, so they understand what is expected of them, and challenge them to improve their performance.
- Lacking Vision. As a leader, it is your responsibility to set a clear vision that will align your team and your organization. People need a vision so that they can work together toward a common goal. Remind them of the vision often!
Five Mistakes Leaders Often Make- UNITENTIONALLY!
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Dear Dr. Mimi – Disturbed
Dear Dr. Mimi,I have a coworker who keeps talking negatively to me and complains about their personal life. It’s very irritating. I’ve tried to act uninterested and hoped they would take the hint, but they keep talking to me when I am trying to work. What should I do? —Disturbed Dear Disturbed, We all have…
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Dear Dr. Mimi – BabySitter
Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss has me mentoring the new hire, even though I am not qualified, nor required, to train them. How do I tell my boss that I am not qualified to teach him? I feel like I’m a babysitter, and I am falling behind on my own work. What do I do? —Babysitter…
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Strategies for Training New Employees
Effective onboarding and training provides clarity, reduces confusion, and fosters early success. This helps new hires understand their roles and connects them to the company’s culture, values, and goals. Here are some key strategies. Create a Structured Onboarding Program. Provide a schedule, assign mentors or buddies, and introduce them to key systems and team members.…