6 Things That A Leader Can't Do
Leaders are called upon to do a lot. They’ve been vested with a platform and access to influence, change, motivate and effectively lead people and an organization. But even with so much that’s expected from leaders, there are limits. And it’s important for leaders (and those they lead) NOT to expect or demand more than can be provided. Here are 6 things that a leader CAN’T do.
Escape Mistakes - leaders aren’t perfect. Perhaps that fact isn’t a news flash. But leaders need to accept and learn from failures and understand that failures aren’t fatal. When that truth is embraced then a leader need not hide, cover-up or blame shift when failures are a result of their leadership.
Please Everybody - if you try to please everybody, you will please nobody. Leaders have to make tough decisions. Those decisions won’t satisfy and make everyone happy with you. But the fact is that most people don’t know all the facts and information that go into the calculus of having to make decisions, therefore you can’t expect people to be happy or understand everything you do as a leader.
Avoid Hard Conversations - you can try to avoid hard conversations. Many leaders do. But if you do you are going to lose the trust and confidence of those you lead. Also, you are just simply trying to kick the can down the road, you will eventually have to face those hard conversations in the future.
Make more time - time is a finite commodity. You can make and create a lot of resources in your role, but time isn’t one of them. As a leader, you must always decide what to do next, and it is key not to simply be reactive and working in the whirlwind of your busyness. Rather, you need to decide what’s BEST next and then do it.
Know Everything - you may have access to a lot of information in your leadership role, but there are always going to be facts and information that is hidden from your sight. Don’t feel as if you need to have the answer for everything and everyone. If you don’t know something, say it. And then be curious enough to go find an answer and the missing information.
Read People’s Minds - you can’t know what those under your leadership are thinking. You know what they tell you and they will often only tell you information unless you are curious enough to ask. Be a Chief Question Asking Officer and seek to understand and learn from those around you.