Bad Leader

What I do not see as often is information on what a bad leader looks like. So I thought I would make my own list. In my last post, I gave you the first five warning signs that you may NOT be a good leader. Here are the second five of my 10 warning signs (and brief descriptions). I have also included some Scripture references. Take a look and see if you have anything to worry about!

5 More Warning Signs You May NOT Be A Good Leader

6. You would not want to be an employee in your own company.

A good leader has built her team on based on integrity, excellence, teamwork, a learning attitude, and a number of other healthy values. Based on this, she would not mind working in that environment herself (as an employee, for another leader).

You are not a good leader if you have used other methods to build your team. Whether it is intimidation, secrecy (no sharing of information, vision, etc.), or micromanagement, these methods would not be acceptable to you if the roles were reversed and you had to work in that same environment as the employee. (Matthew 18:23-35)

7. No one is (sincerely) asking for your advice.

A good leader has shown himself to be a learner. He is open-minded and a great listener. As a result, people naturally gravitate to him seeking advice.

You are not a good leader if people are not coming to you in the same way. You may be guilty of always criticizing or it may be that you just do not listen. Maybe you are not approachable because of the ivory tower in which you work or it could be that you make it known you are not open to learning. Regardless, people are going elsewhere for wisdom and advice. (Proverbs 13:14; 14:7)

8. Your team does not know your vision for the company.

A good leader knows that she cannot hold her vision for the company close to the vest. She knows she needs other DNA carriers spreading the vision. Therefore a good leader over-communicates her vision and reinforces it with policy and process decisions.

You are not a good leader if your team cannot describe in detail your vision for the company. You have not done your job if they cannot recount how they are personally responsible for carrying out that vision in their particular job. Quit protecting it and get it out there! (Nehemiah 2:11-18)

9. You are more interested in your success than the success of your team.

A good leader knows that he can get anything he wants in life if he will just help enough other people get what they want in life (Zig Ziglar). A good leader seeks to remove obstacles from in front of the members of his team so they can be more productive rather that only focusing on his own issues.

You are not a good leader if you think someone has to lose in order for you to win. You are missing out on tremendous fulfillment when you love yourself first and foremost.
(Proverbs 11:24-25)

10. You are not following the right leader.

A good leader knows she is not the highest authority. A good leader recognizes that though there are certainly other good leaders out there, she puts her trust in God. By using the Bible as a guide for her leadership style, she makes sure she is operating as close as she can to what her Creator intended in the original design!

You are not a good leader if you are following anything or anyone other than God. Sure, their are other godly leaders from which you can learn. But if you are relying on them for your example, you are inviting disappointment. Put your trust in the only One worthy of your full trust!
(Psalm 146:3-6)

What warning signs would you add to this list?

Which of these is your biggest challenge?

What will you do to change it?

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