10 Leadership Mistakes

Just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing -- and your employees can tell when you’re faking it. “Real leadership equity is only earned, not bestowed,” says John Hamm, author of the book Unusually Excellent: The Necessary Nine Skills Required for the Practice of Great Leadership. “Just because you have been granted authority doesn’t mean you’re getting the full, collaborative engagement of your employees. You may have their bodies and time forty or fifty hours a week, but until you earn the privilege, from their point of view, you’ll never have their hearts and minds.” Weak leaders have unenthusiastic, lackluster teams. Strong leaders can shine even in tough times. How can you win over your employees and instill faith in them in you and your organization? The fundamentals of leadership can be learned, Hamm says, and a leader’s excellence can have a big impact on a project’s outcome. One way to grow as a leader is to recognize your mistakes and try to make changes. All quotes are from Hamm.