Trimming to Win: 5 Habits that Leaders Need to Quit

Everyone writes about the habits of successful leadership. In my own contributions to the topic, I’ve highlighted everything from mentoring to selfcare as facets of the successful leader’s life and routine. While there is no “one size fits all” formula for leadership success, it’s clear that strong leaders share some common habits that promote efficiency, clarity of vision, ability to manage people, etc. But there’s even more to the leadership equation in my opinion. Successful leaders also trim habits and people that rob them of time, energy, and clarity of purpose. Are you interested in succeeding as a leader? I suggest you trim toxic people, the need to control, multitasking, and excuses. Grab some scissors and get to work.

Toxic People

You’ll find toxic people within your organization and the circle beyond your work. The calling card of a toxic person? They drain your energy. Complainers, users, gossipers, and excuse machines are just a few examples of the toxic types who take far more than they will ever give. If you’re anxious every time a particular character enters a room with you, assume it’s a toxic person. Within the organization you serve, the toxic person can keep your entire team “walking on eggshells,” stymieing productivity and connectivity. Did you hire or befriend the vampire? I hope not. If you did, exercise some leadership and cut Dracula lose.

The Need to Control

Ineffective leaders try to micromanage every aspect of an organization. From carpet colour to toilet paper texture, the controlling leader wants to provide input for just about every decision. The problems? Members of the team feel henpecked and the leader never moves beyond the tactical level of organizational structure. Leaders must be able to articulate organizational goals from a strategic level if the organization is going to move forward. So, let go of the need to control everything and instead focus on the aspirational work that keeps your vision fresh and your team energized.

Multitasking

Ah, multitasking. In today’s business environs, multitaskers are worshipped for their vivacious work ethic and deep commitment to an array of responsibilities, I like to think that I am personally an expert at it. The downside of multitasking? A leader attempting to be everywhere at once has the inability to be fully present when a project, customer, or team member needs more than drive-thru service. The complications of multitasking are related to the complications associated with a need to control. Successful leaders offer a laser focus to the cause or person du jour. If you pride yourself in functioning as a multitasking leader, ask yourself, “Who or what am I underserving by my need to be everywhere at once?” Am I saying not to multi-task? No, that would be the pot calling the kettle black. Rather, be fully present for the big moments (and know how to delegate the tactical stuff to the lieutenants).

Excuses

If you want to lead, the excuses must be dumped. Leaders are accountable for everything that does or does not happen within their lane. Miss a deadline, lose a valuable customer, or fail miserably at a new product launch? Don’t blame the intern camped out in a cubicle. You’re are the accountable one. After owning the mistake or disappointment, describe the methodology you will use to improve the situation. Leaders are driven by the success of the organization, not the need to protect their skin at all cost. #noexcuses

Here’s to a Good Trim

While it’s vitally important to take on methodologies and habits that will enhance your leadership acumen, sometimes the best approach to cultivating success is to trim the methodologies and habits that nip at your leadership effectiveness. If you’re not sure where to begin, connect with a leader you admire and ask the mentor what you need to set aside to be a better version of yourself. My money? Cut the excuses, multitasking, need to control, and toxic people. Now you have space to embrace some new skills and approaches.