You’re Not the Boss of Me” – Nine Traits Bad Leaders Lack
It often seems like everyone wants to be the boss. Individuals that go into sales are many times looking to control their own destiny and manage themselves. When you take on the responsibility of a sales manager, you assume the role of leadership for a business that you can, most times, build as large as you want.
With leadership comes responsibility, whether it is managing a small to medium sales team, a multimillion dollar organization, or just you. I recently read that businesses don’t fail, leaders do. There are core competencies that are a must to be a great leader. Here are nine characteristics that good leaders lack
1 – Bad Leaders Have a Lack of Vision – Poor leaders typically are not visionaries and lack the ability to see how things can be. They struggle to be able to see the big picture and only focus on short term results without weighing the long term effect of their decisions.
2 – Bad Leaders Lack Character – Poor leaders many times lack the internal moral compass that can guide them in ethical behavior in all facets of their lives. Many individuals feel that because it is legal it is acceptable, even-though it may not be ethical. This is a fallacy that will most often catch up with all individuals.
3 – Bad Leaders Lack a Record of Past Success – Certainly the past is not indicative of future results, but individuals that have a history of success normally will perform at that level. Too often we see individuals given responsibility beyond their capacity, which can lead to the detriment of the organization.
4 – Bad Leaders Lack the Confidence to Surround Themselves with People Better Than Themselves – Don’t be a know it all! Poor leaders at all levels, many times, feel they have all the answers and never seek advice or counsel from others. This limits one’s insight and perspective.
5 – Bad Leaders Lack Communication Skills – Leaders that lack success many times either lack the ability, or the desire, to communicate with their teams. Clear communication is essential to success in any organization, and a leader who does not feel the need to keep in touch with his key stake holders cannot succeed long-term.
6 – Bad Leaders Lack Compassion for Others – The concept of service above self is foreign to poor leaders. Belief that the needs of business partners and customers come second to the bottom line is a common trait in poor leadership. Because of this, organizations cannot build a long term following that is loyal and committed to the brand.
7 – Bad Leaders have a Lack of Diversity – People are different. What motivates one will not motivate all. To many time leaders will try and build “cookie cutter” organizations with little success. Systems are important, but people and markets all differ in how we implement the system needs to fit the situation.
8 – Bad Leaders Will Not Take Responsibility – Great leaders always take responsibility for their failures, and seldom take credit for their successes. Poor leaders are quick to blame someone or something else when things are going wrong.
9 – Bad Leaders Lack Patience – A successful organizations take time to build and its market will fluctuate up and down. Poor leaders want immediate results, and many times do not allow good systems to take hold.
All successful organizations require great leadership. Many will raise their hand to take on the role, but few truly understand what is required. If you are honored with the opportunity to lead, please take that trust with the utmost commitment.
Good Selling
Bob
