The One Mistake True Leaders Avoid Making

The One Mistake True Leaders Avoid Making

Did you know that leadership can account for up to 70% of the variance in team performance*? This striking statistic underscores the immense influence a leader wields over their team's achievements. It's a fact that resonates deeply with me as a coach and mentor to emerging leaders. I've had the privilege of witnessing this truth unfold in real-world scenarios, reaffirming its profound significance.

In the pursuit of exceptional leadership, one unwavering truth stands out - great leaders do not lay blame on their teams. It's easy to celebrate when your team succeeds, but it's in moments of challenge and adversity that true leadership shines.


The Leadership Reality

In the dynamic realm of leadership, one often observes a peculiar dichotomy. When our teams achieve exceptional results and deliver peak performance, the credit rightly goes to the team. We acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and unified effort. We celebrate their triumphs as they're emblematic of their collective abilities.
However, when the team faces challenges, underperforms, or, occasionally, encounters failures, the blame tends to shift towards the team leader. This phenomenon may seem unfair or disheartening, especially to those embarking on their leadership journey. Nevertheless, understanding and embracing this truth is fundamental to becoming a great leader.


Why Does This Happen?

The mechanism at play isn't about blame-shifting or avoiding responsibility; it's an intrinsic component of leadership dynamics. A leader isn't just responsible for steering the ship during calm seas; they're at the helm during stormy weather too. The leader sets the course, motivates the team, and assumes accountability, even when the path is laden with challenges.


Embracing the Leadership Truth

The first step to becoming comfortable with this leadership truth is to understand that leadership isn't about individual credit. It's about guiding a collective effort toward a shared objective. It's acknowledging that when the team excels, it's because they're working cohesively and efficiently. And when they face difficulties, it's your opportunity to provide guidance and support.


Strategies to Embrace It

  1. Shift From Individual to Collective Success: Celebrate your team's victories as their own. When they excel, it's not just a reflection of their abilities, but also your leadership.
  2. Use Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, see them as valuable learning experiences. Encourage your team to analyze what went wrong and how they can improve.
  3. Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where your team feels comfortable discussing issues or failures. Open dialogue can lead to constructive solutions.
  4. Shared Responsibility: Make it clear that everyone is responsible for both success and failure. Team members should feel that they have a stake in outcomes.
  5. Seek Coaching/Mentorship: It can be immensely helpful to seek guidance from experienced leaders who've navigated similar situations. Their insights can be invaluable.


While blame may seem like a quick fix, it carries long-term consequences. It demotivates team members, reduces their willingness to take risks, and stifles creativity. On the other hand, taking responsibility fuels motivation inspires innovation, and nurtures a culture where employees are committed to giving their best.


So, if you're aspiring to be an exceptional leader, remember this one truth - you cannot blame your team. Instead, embrace responsibility, lead with strength and humility, and witness your team's potential flourish.


Call to Action

🌟 Join Our Exclusive "Executive Breakfast on November 22nd" 🌟


As we stand on the cusp of 2024, it's the perfect moment to explore new strategies that will propel your team's performance to unprecedented heights. The question is: How can we ensure your team not only meets but exceeds its objectives, achieving flawless collaboration and a shared vision?


To embark on this journey of discovery, we invite you to our exclusive "Executive Breakfast on November 22nd." During this event, you'll:

🚀 Discover Proven Impact: Gain insights into how Miki Island fosters the high-performance behaviors essential for your 2024 success.

💡 Ignite Innovation: Spark fresh ideas, innovative thinking, and strategic insights within your teams.

📊 Embrace Adaptability: Explore how Miki Island seamlessly adapts to the ever-evolving dynamics of the modern work environment.


➡️DM if you want to receive your personal invite.


If you prefer a personalized, one-on-one discussion to delve deeper into how Miki Island can address your unique needs, simply DM your availability, and we'll arrange a meeting at your convenience.


We're excited about the opportunity to connect and explore how Miki Island can propel your team's success to new heights!! 🚀🌴