Some leadership mistakes are intentional.
You know that not getting rest harms you. So does too much sugar, not enough exercise, or too much alcohol. But …
6 Persistently Dumb Leadership Mistakes
#1. Pretending not to see a problem
We know problems grow but imagine they’ll go away by themselves. Maybe someone else will fix it. Avoidance is a seductive liar.
#2. Procrastinating
You know delay increases stress. You do it anyway. You imagine a more capable future self. But the only benefit of procrastination is future pain.
#3. Scratching Your Digital Itch
Distraction dilutes you. Phones hijack attention and mood, but you still swipe up. Still text during meetings.
#4. Interrupting
You know it shuts others down. The impulse still fires.
#5. Saying yes when we want to say no
Guilt whispers “just do it.” Ego believes saying yes makes you look good. The result is fatigue and resentment.
#6. Complaining
We know it doesn’t help. It just feels good in the moment.
Realities of Change
Awareness doesn’t change dumb leadership mistakes.
You make excuses. Hide behind justifications. And knowingly act destructively.
Change is likely when…
#1. Pain Intensifies
Discomfort motivates change.
Awareness informs. Discomfort transforms.
#2. Personal Identity Clarifies
Leadership mistakes aren’t who you are.
Identity shifts invite new behaviors.
#3. Replacement Behaviors Activate
You don’t stop self-destructive actions. You replace them.
Stopping creates a vacuum. Replacing creates action.
#4. Support Feels Enabling
People don’t change alone.
Shame isolates. Healthy accountability empowers.
Support sustains. Isolation defeats.
#5. Early Wins Abound:
Momentum begins small.
Big wins don’t work. Momentum is a series of small successes, not grand intentions.
You don’t change because you “know better.”
You change when the pain rises, identity shifts, new behaviors take root, support surrounds you, and small wins stack up.
Which dumb leadership mistakes do you frequently see? What can be done about them?
