Ten Mistakes Every Leader Makes The Leadership Development Series Sponsored by Student Activities

Mistake # 1 Repeating the Same Mistakes  Good leaders acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them  Don’t fall into the “can’t disappoint” syndrome

Mistake # 2 Being Inflexible  You must be able to accept change to be an effective leader  Change is normal although the pace of change can vary  A good leader is able to provide guidance and control the pace of change

Mistake # 3 Failing to Acknowledge Your Past  Good leaders are made from their accumulated experiences Training Mentoring Guidance from others  Good leaders recognize that they don’t know everything and return to people from their past for help  Leaning on others is not a sign of weakness

Mistake # 4 Being a Commander Rather than a Leader  Commanding is never an acceptable substitute for leading  Dictating is never an acceptable substitute for eliciting cooperation  Leaders have great skills: cooperation skills explanatory skills getting people to say “yes!”

Mistake # 5 Failing to Listen  Good leaders listen to the voices they hear Group members Advisors/supervisors Outside voices Your inner voice  Learn to pay attention to the voices you hear and how to interpret properly  Staying informed allows you to better interpret the voices you hear

Mistake # 6 Getting Caught Up in Your Own Glory  Good leaders put the needs of the group before their own  Cultivate modesty whenever possible  Leadership is a set of responsibilities, not a not a mantle of privilege

Mistake # 7 Expecting it to Last Forever  There is a limited window of opportunity in which to be effective  Good leaders plan ahead: Plan for your exit just as you plan for your entrance How can you be an effective leader in your next role?

Mistake # 8 Hoarding Skills or Information  A leader must also be a constant teacher Keep your members informed and teach them new skills that will enhance the group Encourage your members to be teachers as well  Ways to teach Educational workshops Effective/Consistent officer transition system

Mistake # 9 Taking Yourself Too Seriously  Good leaders maintain a sense of humor  Laughter can be the best remedy when things get too serious  Good leaders are down-to-earth, not pompous

Mistake #10 Seeing Things in Black & White  Good leaders know that there are often two sides to every story  The answer is not always yes or no  Good leaders see the various shades and solve problems without confrontations

The Ten Mistakes  Repeating the Same Mistakes  Being Inflexible  Failing to Acknowledge Your Past  Being a Commander Rather than a Leader  Failing to Listen  Getting Caught Up in Your Own Glory  Expecting it to Last Forever  Hoarding Skills or Information  Taking Yourself Too Seriously  Seeing Things in Black & White