It’s not surprising that when executives enter a new job, they have this deep-seated feeling to try to be perfect. Research has shown over the years that employees and leaders spend too much time attempting to appear flawless. Yet, great leaders know they are not perfect and they don’t act like they are. There are, however, some common misconceptions that can creep into their personality:
“I Have To Be Perfect”
Many driven executives waste their time and energy trying to appear perfect. They struggle to accept their flaws for fear of being viewed as inferior. Mistakes are part of being human, and if you put too much pressure on yourself too much, you could be hindering your productivity. The greatest leaders know they are flawed and also accept the fact that other people can make mistakes. Owning up to your imperfections helps you build trust with your employees. Don’t hide your flaws, own up to them and then work towards fixing them instead of hiding.
“I Have To Be 100% Fair.”
Employees expect to be overlooked when it comes to performance evaluation, whether it is about promotional pay or access to newer opportunities. In such cases, leaders are expected to be fair. However, even though all people should be treated equally, this does not mean all jobs should be treated equally.
“I Have To Be Accessible 24/7.”
No matter how much time leaders give to their business, they feel it’s not enough. It is important that you devote time to your business and to your followers, but that does not mean you do not leave any time for yourself. Part of being a leader is helping your followers stand on their own two feet without your help. Set boundaries that will be beneficial for you and your team. Let your followers know that you will be there for them and will be willing to help them find a solution to their problems. Just be sure to give them some time to figure out things for themselves.
