No leader is perfect. Your boss is not superhuman, nor is anyone else in the pecking order. Here are some of the easiest pitfalls facing any leader:
• He forgets how closely he's observed by his employees.
• She confuses position with privilege.
• He insulates himself with people who'll decrease his own personal insecurity, but fail to increase or improve the information flow he'll need to be effective in his job. (Additionally, he underestimates the symbolic impact of his own entourage and how their behaviors send distinct messages about his own character.)
• She loses "the common touch" and foregoes basic courtesies when dealing with subordinates.
• He is unable to assess when he's speaking as a private individual, and when his stated views represent the brand or service tradition of the organization he leads.
• She's most likely to be influenced by the last person she spoke with.
Over the next few weeks I'll examine these in greater detail. Meanwhile, if you have additional thoughts or comments, please let me know. Thanks.
