Hello friend!
Seated comfortably in this car shop, my mind wanders back to my days as a leader, and the many memories that come with it. I've taken the liberty of jotting down my thoughts on how to differentiate between a great leader and a bad one. It's a topic that's close to my heart, and I'd be delighted to share my insights with you today.
Please have a seat and join me.
First, I want to answer the most common question,
"How do you know the leader is bad?"
One of the most significant issues is their tendency to unilaterally remove responsibilities and assignments from their team members without clearly communicating their motives.
When a leader behaves in a manner that confuses and frustrates team members, it can lead to a significant loss of respect and confidence in their abilities. This type of behavior can have a highly detrimental effect on the overall productivity and well-being of the team and should be avoided at all costs.
Understanding why a leader behaves in a certain manner towards their team members is crucial, as it can significantly impact their well-being. Let's delve into this scenario and analyze the underlying reasons, along with the potential emotional harm that could result.
Leaders who experience envy and insecurity may resort to taking on more tasks and responsibilities from their team members to appear stronger and avoid failure. However, this behavior can be harmful to the well-being of their team members, as it can cause trauma and anguish. Additionally, these leaders may be hesitant to ask for help and prioritize their own image over the success of the team.
Here are three crucial indicators to watch out for when it comes to the emotional damage caused by poor leadership:
Firstly, the team members are likely to feel incompetent, and their work performance may suffer significantly. This could manifest in various ways, such as incomplete tasks or tardiness to the office. The resulting feelings of inadequacy can be overwhelming and lead to a decrease in productivity and motivation.
Secondly, the team members may experience heightened feelings of paranoia, sensitivity, and low self-esteem as a result of the leader stripping them of their responsibilities, leading them to believe that they are not good enough, causing significant damage to their self-worth and confidence.
Finally, the team members may become fearful of communicating openly with the leader for fear of being perceived as weak, even though they are not. This can lead to a lack of trust and a breakdown in communication between the leader and their team, resulting in further adverse outcomes.
The actions of such a leader can have far-reaching consequences that affect not only their team members but also their well-being. The emotional trauma and pain experienced by those affected is very real and should not be downplayed. It is an undeniable sign of poor leadership.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your leader has treated you in such a manner, my dear friend?
If so, I must inform you that this type of conduct does not foster a healthy work environment conducive to growth. In fact, such behavior constitutes workplace violence, a topic that is often disregarded or dismissed. The truth is, despite our reluctance to admit it, this type of behavior is much more common than we think.
If you're currently experiencing it, you might be wondering what steps you can take. Rest assured that I've put these tips into practice myself, and they have proven effective. Keep reading for my advice.
1) Document. It's important to keep a detailed record of all communication, whether it be through conversations, text messages, emails, or voicemails. To ensure your safety, it's wise to print out emails and keep them in a designated folder that is concealed in a secure location, like the trunk of your car. If necessary, you can use the voice recording feature on your phone to document verbal conversations, but be mindful of who you share the recording with.
2) Create your robust and trusted support network. If you don't already have one, create one. Your support network should consist of people you have the utmost confidence in and who can offer guidance and encouragement during tough times. If you find yourself deviating from your decisions, they can assist you in regaining focus and staying on track.
Personally, I've discovered that having a dependable and supportive group of individuals is crucial in navigating life and making important decisions. They always give me honest feedback, offer advice with empathy and understanding, and motivate me to step outside my comfort zone and use my talents. I hope you can also find a similar network of supporters.
3) Schedule a meeting with your supervisor and/or email your concerns with your supervisor. If you're feeling uneasy about your interactions with your leader, it's important to handle the situation professionally and respectfully. Scheduling a meeting or sending an email to your leader is recommended, but it's crucial to remain composed when composing the email. Stick to the facts and provide specific examples of when you felt uncomfortable or concerned, such as dates and times. When meeting with your supervisor, bring printed copies of your emails and highlight areas that you believe require improvement. It's important to express your expectations and ask questions to avoid any misunderstandings.
It's always a good idea to have someone you trust to proofread and review your emails before sending them out. This will help ensure that your message maintains a professional tone and avoids of any overly emotional language which can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations in your communication.
In my personal experience, I wrote an email outlining my concerns and included screenshots of instances where I felt offended or triggered. Additionally, I provided suggestions on how to improve communication and requested feedback on how to become a better employee. Remember, improving communication is a collaborative effort, and working together will ultimately result in better leadership.
4) If you've tried everything else and still haven't seen any improvement with your supervisor, it might be time to escalate the issue to their superior and the human resources director. To prepare for this meeting, you should gather as much evidence as possible, such as emails and documentation that highlight specific instances of microaggression, lack of support, or other issues, and present it in a clear and factual manner. During the meeting, it's crucial to stay calm and honest and focus on presenting the facts without letting your emotions take over. With some luck, this meeting could help you find a way forward that satisfies everyone involved.
5) If the meeting with your supervisor's boss and HR director did not yield favorable results, you may be faced with the arduous decision of tendering your resignation or seeking alternative employment opportunities outside of your current workplace.
The choice that I had to make was undoubtedly one of the most challenging decisions I have ever faced. I found myself hesitating and experiencing cold feet for countless days until a dear friend of mine pointed out something that resonated deeply within me. "Anabella," she said, "you've lost yourself." Hearing those words was like hitting a button that I needed to push, and my husband echoed her sentiment by saying, "I need my wife back."
These two statements were the catalysts that led me to resign immediately without the standard two-week notice. My mental health, family, and, most importantly, myself required my attention. I made this decision for me.It's worth bearing in mind that there are several signs that indicate a poor leader, in addition to the one I mentioned earlier. Having spent time in the workplace and listened to others' experiences, this is a subject that I've found to be quite common.
I truly hope that the advice I've provided has been helpful in navigating these challenging situations. It's very important to remember that you deserve respect and recognition for your efforts. Even though the journey may have been tough, the outcome will undoubtedly be worth it.
Love and I am cheering you on,
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