All people make mistakes it’s in human nature. Even the most admired and successful leaders have made catastrophic leadership mistakes. Actually, that’s one of the best ways to learn, grow and become more efficient. But at the same time, leadership skills aren’t always innate, and not everyone is suitable for the leader role.
Here are 5 signs, that maybe you are not a good leader and it’s time for you to move on.
- You’re not as empathetic as you used to be
Empathy creates a more loyal, engaged and productive workforce in your company. Empathy can also impact how you communicate with others. For example, through empathetic listening, you’re in a better position to understand the person you’re talking with.
Since empathy is the most crucial leadership skill, how you treat others is a red flag that it’s time to leave leadership behind. If you ignore the feelings of your employees or customer feedback, then your business will start to fail. Your employees will look for another employer, and customers will go to a competitor who will listen to them.
- Turnover happens too often
It’s natural for team members to come and go. But, when they start fleeing like rats on a sinking ship, then it’s time to think about moving on.
Ask yourself, why would your team stick around at a failing enterprise? Why would they want to continue to work with a leader who is disengaged?
- A toxic work environment has grown
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to create a positive work environment. When you are creating a pleasant work environment, employees are happier, work smarter, and are more productive.
What happens when you aren’t maintaining a healthy work environment? It’s obvious that if you aren’t actively engaged in building, a toxic workplace will start to form.
A toxic workplace it’s where dishonesty, gossip and bullying run. There will be breakdowns in communication and the implementation of poor policies and procedures. A disengaged leader begins to treat the employees differently, as well.
- No one is knocking on your door
Understandably, you don’t want to be interrupted when you’re focusing on work. But, leaders need to be accessible to their team when they need them. It’s their responsibility to be a coach and mentor to others. You may even be asked to give them some words of wisdom.
What happens when people stop seeking your advice? When someone no longer trusts you, they aren’t going to come to you for anything. And Strat looking for other leaders.
- The stress and pressure are too much for you
Leading a team is a tiring job. Your employees’ problems, challenges, and failures are like yours. Furthermore, you’re their mentor and the development of their career in the company is practically in your hands.
So, if your employees are feeling bad or that they are not developing, not doing their job as good as they used to – you’re starting to feel stressed. If this stress and pressure from upper management are too much for you, it’s time to let go.
Don’t forget that chronic stress is bad for your mental and physical health.
