The Biggest Mistake a Leader Can Make

There are a lot of things a leader can do to sabotage their own effectiveness and success. However, there is one pitfall that is more pervasive and more destructive than any other. If you’re a leader, you’ll want to avoid it at all costs.  

The biggest way leaders undermine their effectiveness is through behavioral misalignment.  Behavioral misalignment is saying one thing but then doing another. When there is a disconnect between what a leader says and does, it always causes trouble and thwarts results.         

For example, when a leader professes a certain mission, vision, or values, but then acts in ways that are contrary to them, it destroys credibility and trust. Or when a leader proclaims a high character or strong work ethic but then behaves in ways contrary to what has been preached, they lose respect.  

It is hard to always align our actions with our words. It takes discipline, awareness, and constant effort. The best leaders, however, do what they say they are going to do and act in ways they ask others to act. When a leader’s behavior is aligned with their words, they earn the respect and trust of their team.

To learn more about  creating a great company culture, check out my  book, Be an Awesome Boss.