We have all experienced ineffective leadership. Some have overused power and position, others have been weak and uncertain.
Here are the central beliefs of ineffective leaders who overuse power and position:
- I am here to control people.
- People need control.
- I am better than they are or I wouldn’t be in this position.
- I deserve the privileges of my position.
- People need to be driven to succeed.
- I am not responsible for their mistakes.
- I earn trust and respect through my being right and tough.
- I get more done quicker by telling them what I want.
- I don’t care if they don’t like me.
Here are the central beliefs of weak and uncertain leaders:
- Some-one has to lead and it’s the best way for me to get ahead.
- If they like me they’ll do as I ask.
- Their mistakes are theirs alone.
- I can’t ever afford to be wrong.
- I’ll have to fake it if I don’t know.
- My position could be taken by someone better than me.
- Strong people in my team are a threat to me.
- I need to know more than they do.
- My role will protect me.
- There’s no point in standing up for my people against a higher authority.
What would you add to these?
