The Top Five Mistakes New Leaders Make and How to Avoid Them

After years behind a desk working for someone else and only responsible for your product, you are finally given the opportunity to lead a team and soon you find yourself confronted with a new and unexpected reality. You are now held accountable for the work of others – both their successes, and more troubling, their mistakes and poor performance. One of the easiest pitfalls that new leaders can face is sliding back into "doing" rather than "managing".

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School's Dave Hofmann, Leadership and associate dean of the MBA Program, shares his thoughts on how not to fall victim to the above pitfall or make these other top five new leader mistakes:

* Doing rather than leading
* Not forging relationships with lateral peers
* Not gaining support from above
* Not delegating effectively
* Failing to establish or project credibility

Credible Leadership Delivers Results

Having titles like “Chief Executive Officer” or “Executive Director” are not always linked with “respect” and “credibility” – the former come with the position, the latter must be earned. If you are in a position of leadership (or wish to be in the future), do not mistakenly associate being a leader with having power. Without credibility, power is virtually worthless.

To gain and maintain credibility while building your effectiveness as a leader, read the following article: Trust Me: Credible Leadership Delivers Results by Douglas J. Matthews from Chief Learning Officer – February 2010.

Attention 2008 NILDP Participants - How has this program benefited you?

2008 participants, now that you have had a chance to take the program out for a spin, tell us what your thoughts are... Please structure your reply with the following questions in mind.

1. Which skill or skills taught during the Non-Instructional Leadership Development Program do you believe are helping you the most in your current position?
2. How has your performance improved since participating in the Non-Instructional Leadership Development Program?
3. Have you applied for a new position, been given an interview or promoted to a new position during and/or since participating in the Non-Instructional Leadership Development Program?
4. What words of wisdom would you give to those participants in our 2009 Non-Instructional Leadership Development Program?

Leadership Qualities

5 Ways to Be an Unforgettable Leader

What is it that makes a leader great? A great leader leaves a positive legacy in the lives of those following. Effective leadership impacts lives in a way that is never forgotten. The author explores the qualities of such a leader.

Click on the title of this article, read it and then come back and post your comment on the impact someone has had in your life.

Can you think of a leader in your life that made a lasting impression? Was it a teacher from when you were in school? Was it someone you admired and read about? Was it a leader you worked for?