5 common mistakes that business leaders make – and what to do instead

Do you have a brilliant idea, talent, and a determination to get your business to the very top of its industry? Then you might have the qualities that could transform you into a brilliant business leader.

However, this is easier said than done…

No matter at what stage of the business cycle a leader finds themselves in, they will undoubtedly make a number of mistakes along the way.

However, being aware of potential dangers, recognising and acknowledging their mistakes, and also having the determination to make things right are what separate a truly successful business leader, and one that could be steering their company to failure.

Therefore, here are five common mistakes that business leaders make which could prove costly, together with what they should do instead.

1) Refusal to delegate work

At the start of a company’s journey, that particular entrepreneur tends to do all of the work and are involved in each and every aspect of the business.

While they eventually start employing different people over time as the business grows, they often refuse to let go and allow their employees the freedom to do the tasks completely on their own.

Many business leaders find it difficult to let go and delegate tasks to other people, with them constantly being concerned about whether things are being done right.

This will not only needlessly increase the business leader’s workload, but it will also limit the management team from growing into good leaders themselves.

It is integral for business leaders to let go of tasks that do not require their valuable time and attention, as those qualities could be best used elsewhere. In this way, employees will learn from their failures and grow stronger over time.

2) Being reactive instead of proactive

Business leaders that choose to wait for things to happen prior to making decisions are utilising a reactive approach to leadership. While this approach might work when certain issues are of smaller scale and come about from clear sources, it is not effective whatsoever for larger problems that might require some time to completely iron out.

As a result, a proactive approach is much more desirable, as it involves strategising, planning, and also financial forecasting in order to anticipate opportunities and challenges, so that better decisions can be made, while also being ready for any hurdles that might emerge.

When a leader avoid making certain decisions, the business ends up being stuck in a constant state of clean up, working to solve problems rather than shifting the focus to the next goal.

Planning ahead with more data-driven and strategic decisions, allows business leaders to be in a better position to manage the outcome of a potential situation or else completely avoid a possible problem. While not every challenge or opportunity can be foreseen, being in the best position possible to react is crucial.

3) Not using financial data

While money is not the only indicator of success, it is definitely a great way to gain some insight a business.

If a business leader opts to not get the financial reports that they need, does not trust the data found, or else is unable to review the financials, then they could be missing out on an excellent way of gauging which areas of the business are doing best.

Financial reports can help business leaders drive employee performance, optimise their prices, strengthen the bottom line, improve employee retention, and also time their new hires perfectly.

Decision based on intuition can only get you so far. Having transparency when it comes to the business’s financial health, together with a clear idea of the influence that certain market trends had on performance, are all needed to make data-driven decision to elevate the business.

4) Failing to define company culture

Company culture is made up of a business’s personality, the values it stands for, and what it feels like to work at it.

It is a crucial part of the workplace, and leaving it to develop on its own will put the company in a significant amount of risk, especially when it comes to possibly developing a toxic or negative work environment that fails to motivate, invigorate, and unify its employees.

Therefore, business leaders should aim to cultivate a positive work environment where employees feel motivated, supported, as well as fulfilled in their work. Doing so will enable them to feel more energised at the workplace, looking ahead for the next day of work, rather than dreading getting out of bed for it.

Business leaders can instil a positive company culture by getting the business involved in the community, taking part in a number of events, while also ensuring that the employees are valued.

5) Lack of recognition towards employees’ achievements

As mentioned in the previous tip, employees tend to work harder and see their work in a positive light when they feel appreciated by their bosses and colleagues.

While it is important for business leaders to outline the long-term and short-term goals that employees should strive toward, it is of equal importance that their work is recognised and acknowledged, especially when they go above and beyond their targets.

Rewarding employees, either through monetary compensation or public recognition – or possibly a mix of both – will help the business maximise its profitability in their people by showing them that they are part of something bigger and that their work matters. Instilling a culture of appreciation will also enable new employees to feel that they are making progress, and that they are fitting in.