Never Forget!

"I would never work for that individual again, regardless of the pay!" This sentiment is

one I've encountered numerous times while discussing the impact and influence of

individuals in leadership positions. Such individuals cannot truly be considered leaders;

they fail to lead effectively because they are unable to transcend their own self-

interests. This serves as a serious critique of those practicing ineffective leadership.

Each time I hear this remark, it deeply concerns me, as the actions of these leaders

cast a shadow on all leaders, causing them to be viewed with suspicion by those who

have experienced poor leadership tactics and techniques leaving them troubled and

tainted for a lifetime.

Through numerous interviews with individuals who made the preceding statement, I

identified four common practices among ineffective leaders. These leaders tended to

subject and “PAIR” their team members to the "Pain of Partiality," the "Agony of

Abandonment," the "Injustice of Insensitivity," and/or the "Rip of Rejection" at some

point in their leadership journey. It is often possible to improve our leadership abilities by

learning from those who have not succeeded. Over the next four weeks, we will

examine each of these four factors evident in the actions of poor leaders that contribute

to faltered, fractured, and unsuccessful leadership.

Remember this truth, “Me” focused leaders don’t really care how their poor practices

negatively impact and disgust the people they lead, nor how their actions dishonor and

devalue their colleagues in leadership. The only person they honestly care about is

themselves. Sadly, they have forgotten that successful leaders don’t win success on

their own. Conversely, authentic “We” focused leaders never forget! These genuine

leaders lead in such a way that their people and peers would say, “I would fight to work

with that leader again, anytime, anywhere.” What will they say about you?