Consultant Scott Seroka of Seroka Professional Training in Waukesha has compiled a list of the top 10 common mistakes bosses make that take away from their leadership role, cost their companies money and make employees appear less productive and less professional.
Seroka says the list is the culmination of extensive research, observation and training, while looking at “boss behaviors.” Seroka says many workers are much brighter, resourceful and capable than their bosses give them credit for.
The ineffective – and often destructive – behaviors can shape negative employee attitudes about their boss and their company, lead to a lack of productivity and ultimately lead to an increase in employee turnover, according to Seroka.
The list of top 10 mistakes:
10. Waiting too long to address a problem or address unacceptable behavior.
9. Using their title to make unilateral decisions in times of stress.
8. Lacking an understanding of what their true role as a leader is, and more importantly, what their role as a true leader is not.
7. Not completely aware of the impact they have on their employees.
6. “Over-supervising” and underestimating the knowledge and capabilities of the people they hired.
5. Failing to acknowledge excellent behavior but always addressing unacceptable behavior.
4. Lacking empathy for an employee or an employee’s situation.
3. Leading through intimidation.
2. Using “roadblocks” in communication (ordering people around like they’re in the military, moralizing judgment or behavior, labeling the employees or their work, etc.)
1. Feeling the need to solve all problems including problems they do not own.
Seroka Professional Training is a division of Seroka, a full-service branding, marketing and public relations firm specializing in financial, health care and technology industries.
