As an entrepreneur, getting others to follow you when they don’t have to could be your greatest ongoing challenge. That could explain why there are so many books about leadership on bookstore shelves—most of which list the attributes of great leaders. But The Truth About Getting Your Point Across takes a different tack. In it, author Lonnie Pacelli helps the cause of aspiring leaders by revealing the seven major barriers that can inhibit business owners from becoming great leaders.
Arrogance
Confidence as a leader is crucial since people look to you for answers, especially when times get tough. When it runs amok and turns to arrogance, that’s a signal that the leader does not respect his team.
Indecisiveness
Listen to those around you, make the best decision for the company that the rest of the team can understand, and stick to it. While team members might not agree, they should be able to see the rationale. Decisions without rationale or without listening ultimately frustrate the team and put a target on your back.
Disorganization
Ever had a boss who asked for the same information multiple times? Or was so frantic that he or she was on the verge of combusting? This disorganization creates unneeded stress and frustration for the team, which can lead to anarchy.
Stubbornness
You may believe your view of reality is the right way to go, but it’s imperative that you balance your own perspective with the rest of the team’s. Decisiveness without listening leads to stubbornness.
Negativism
A glass-half-empty manager is a horrible motivator who can easily sap a team’s energy. This doesn’t mean you have to be a shiny-happy person all the time, but you have to truly believe in what you’re doing and positively motivate the team to get there.
Cowardice
Don’t blame mistakes on others. Rather, be self-critical and aware of your own weaknesses and mistakes. For a leader to continue to grow, she needs to be the first to admit her mistakes and learn from them, as opposed to being the last to admit them.
Untrustworthiness
Simply put, leaders who don’t display the necessary skills, show wisdom in their decisions or demonstrate integrity won’t be trusted. If you’re not trusted, you cannot motivate and inspire your team.
