10 signs of an unsafe leader

I previously wrote about the the affect that leaders have on their followers. An article “Are You Safe?” from Business Week Online. So, what is an unsafe leader?

“When we coach leaders of family businesses, we want them to reflect on their leadership style and how it affects other employees, productivity, and, ultimately, their legacy. We ask: “Are you a safe person?” A safe person is one that people trust. When we trust people, we decide that the benefit of interacting with them outweighs the cost to us. If the cost is too high, we don’t engage unless we have to………….. Effective leaders understand the impact they have on others. But they don’t rely on their own beliefs to make that determination. They get feedback from employees and family members. They ask questions.”

The top 10 signs of an unsafe leader is someone who:

• Bases all decisions on position and power.
• Reacts with anger and aggression.
• Looks for someone to blame.
• Personalizes failure and puts other people down.
• Never asks others for their views or advice.
• Thinks he or she is always right.
• Sees everything as black or white.
• Ignores suggestions and input.
• Is erratic and unpredictable.
• Is driven by self-interest.

Genreally leaders vastly underestimate the effect that their behaviour has on those around them. Taking time to reflect on their leadership style and how they affect others is important for all leaders.

Technorati Tags: Leadership; Trust, Management, Business, Leader

Related posts:

1. Spotting a New Leader
2. Leader, Be Yourself
3. No great leader initially set out to be a leader
4. Factors that leaders should manage to encourage trust
5. Are you a Leader or just a Boss?

Tagged as: Character