THE 10 MAJOR CAUSES OF FAILURE IN LEADERSHIP

In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote his book ‘Think and Grow Rich.’ as a personal development and self-improvement book. This book is a must-read for anyone who aspires to great leadership. The philosophies in this book are really eye-opening, and they can help anyone succeed in any line of work, regardless of their location, gender, ethnicity, or social standing. It is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read, but what was surprising is the fact that the principles of leadership outlined in this book are so applicable in 2019. I want to share the ten major causes of failure in leadership with you, as described by Hill. The fact that these failures are so apt for our generation of leaders makes this book a very fascinating read.

Inability To Organize Details

Efficient leadership calls for the ability to organize and master details. No genuine leader is ever “too busy” to do anything required of them. The successful leader must be the master of all details connected with the position. That means, of course, that they must acquire the habit of relegating details to capable lieutenants.

Unwillingness To Render Humble Service

 Truly great leaders are willing, when occasion demands, to perform any labor that they would ask another to complete. “The greatest among ye shall be the servant of all” is a truth that all able leaders observe and respect.

The Expectation Of Pay For What They Know Instead Of What They Do With What That Which They Know

 The world does not pay men/women for that which they “know.” Instead, it pays them for what they ‘DO’ or influence others to do.

Fear Of Competition From Followers

The leader who fears that one of their followers may take their position is practically sure to realize that fear sooner or later. The able leader trains understudies to whom they may delegate, at will, any of the details of their position. Only in this way may a leader multiply their attention, prepare themselves to be at many places, and give attention to many things at once.

Lack Of Imagination

 Without imagination, leaders cannot meet emergencies and create plans to guide their followers efficiently.

Selfishness

 The leader who claims all the honor for the work of his followers is sure to be met by resentment. The really great leader CLAIMS NONE OF THE HONORS. They are content to see the honors when there are any and go to their followers because they know that most people will work harder for commendation and recognition than they will for money alone.

Intemperance

 Followers do not respect an intemperate leader. Moreover, intemperance, in any of its various forms, destroys the endurance and vitality of all who indulge in it.

Disloyalty

Perhaps this should have come at the head of the list. A leader who is not loyal to their trust and associates, those above and those who work with them, cannot for long maintain their leadership. Disloyalty marks one as being less than the dust of the earth and brings the contempt he deserves down on one’s head. Lack of loyalty is one of the major causes of failure in every walk of life.

The Emphasis Of The Authority Of Leadership

An efficient leader leads by encouraging and not by trying to instill fear in the hearts of their followers. The leader who tries to impress their followers with their “authority” comes within the category of leadership through force. If a leader is a ‘REAL LEADER,’ they will not need to advertise that fact except by their conduct, sympathy, understanding, fairness, and a demonstration that they know their job.

Emphasis Of Title

The competent leader requires no “title” to give them the respect of his followers. The leader who makes too much over their title generally has little else to emphasize upon. The doors to the office of the real leader are open to all who wish to enter, and their working quarters are free from formality or ostentation.

These are among the more common causes of failure in leadership. Any leader possessing these faults is sufficient to induce failure. Study the list very carefully if you’re aspiring to leadership, and ensure that you are free of these faults. There must be a new era of relationship between the leader and their employees, which clearly calls for a new brand of leadership within business and industry.

Those who adhere to the old-school leadership-by-force approach must be acutely aware that this brand of leadership cannot and will not work in the 21st century. Instead, leadership is all about people and inspiring them to believe in themselves, their gifts, and their dreams. Most importantly, it is about helping the next generation of leaders become inspirational leaders.

About Leadership First

Gifford Thomas is the founder of Leadership First and the author of the Amazon Best Seller, The Inspirational Leader: Inspire Your Team to Believe in the Impossible. At Leadership First, we are committed to sharing the very best inspirational quotes and articles from the world's leading leadership thinkers. Our mission is to empower leaders to create exceptional organizations while providing a daily dose of inspiration to our community of 6.5 million leaders. To order your copy of Unlock The Hidden Leader, click the link above.