This article draws on a blog entry by Brian Tracy.
Criticising subordinates and other colleagues
The first and also most common mistake is strictness and criticism towards team members. As a manager, you must accept the fact that there are people who have a different approach and style of work to you. As a leader, you have to tolerate this and support such staff in their strengths and positive sides. Too many managers want carbon copies of themselves rather than autonomous and efficient employees. This is why managers often criticise team members unnecessarily, which then undermines the potential of the team as a whole.
Complaining and negative attitude
A leader should always radiate a positive mood. Where others see a problem, they should see an opportunity. They must try to overcome even apparently tough obstacles and keep the team spirit alive. If a manager is constantly complaining and criticising everyone from clients through management to competition, it is no surprise that their team lacks optimism and ambition.
No room for making mistakes
Punishing employees for mistakes is in itself a big mistake. Constructive criticism is of course appropriate in the case of a serious mistake that an employee should not have made. But minor mistakes that show the employee is trying new approaches and learning are no reason for a manager to reprimand team members. This would only lead to the team stagnating in the status quo and not wanting to move ahead because progress and making mistakes always go hand in hand.
-mm-