THE 10 MAJOR CAUSES
OF
FAILURE IN LEADERSHIP
Leadership
We come now to the major faults of leaders who fail, because it is just as essential to know WHAT NOT TO DO as it is to know what to do.
1. INABILITY TO ORGANIZE DETAILS
Efficient leadership calls for ability to organize and to master details.
2. UNWILLINGNESS TO RENDER HUMBLE SERVICE
Truly great leaders are willing, when occasion demands, to perform any sort of labor which they would ask another to perform. “The greatest among ye shall be the servant of all” is a truth which all able leaders observe and respect.
3. EXPECTATION OF PAY FOR WHAT THEY “KNOW” INSTEAD OF WHAT THEY DO WITH THAT WHICH THEY KNOW.
The world does not pay men for that which they “know.” It pays them for what they DO, or induce others to do.
4. FEAR OF COMPETITION FROM FOLLOWERS
The leader who fears that one of his followers may take his position is practically sure to realize that fear sooner or later.
5. LACK OF IMAGINATION
Without imagination, the leader is incapable of meeting emergencies, and of creating plans by which to guide his followers efficiently.
6. 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.
7. INTEMPERANCE
Followers do not respect an intemperate leader. Moreover, intemperance in any of its various forms, destroys the endurance and the vitality of all who indulge in it.
8. DISLOYALTY
Perhaps this should have come at the head of the list. The leader who is not loyal to his trust, and to his associates, those above him, and those below him, cannot long maintain his leadership.
9. EMPHASIS OF THE “AUTHORITY” OF LEADERSHIP
The efficient leader leads by encouraging, and not by trying to instill fear in the hearts of his followers.
10. EMPHASIS OF TITLE
The competent leader requires no “title” to give him the respect of his followers. These are among the more common of the causes of failure in leadership. Any one of these faults is sufficient to induce failure.
Study the list carefully if you aspire to leadership, and make sure that you are free of these faults.
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