Leadership is a journey of continuous improvement, requiring self-awareness, accountability, and the ability to grow alongside your team. Often, leaders get caught in the cycle of micromanagement, favouritism, or failure to acknowledge their own mistakes. Authentic leadership, however, goes beyond managing—it is about inspiring, empowering, and lifting others.
Here are 12 powerful wake-up calls for leaders, outlining the key areas every leader must address to excel and create an environment of trust and growth.
- If your team is failing, you’re the problem
When a team fails, it is easy for leaders to deflect blame onto the team members. However, great leaders know that failure reflects gaps in their leadership. If your team isn’t performing, the first step is to look in the mirror. Are you providing clear guidance, resources, and support? Are you creating an environment where people can thrive, or are you stifling innovation? Owning responsibility as a leader means taking proactive steps to identify and address shortcomings within your leadership style.
- If you can’t handle criticism, you’re not fit to lead
One of the most essential qualities of a good leader is the ability to take constructive feedback. Leaders who shy away from criticism miss valuable growth opportunities. If you react defensively to criticism, you may shut down open communication. Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about listening, evolving, and adjusting. Handling criticism gracefully shows emotional intelligence and openness to improvement, a sign of authentic leadership.
- Your title makes you a manager; your people make you a leader
Titles don’t define leadership; it’s defined by the ability to inspire and motivate people. You may hold a managerial position, but your actions earn your team’s trust and respect. Leading from a place of empathy, respect, and support earns loyalty and fosters a sense of collaboration. Remember, leadership is not about power but about service to your team.
- Don’t preach teamwork while playing favourites
Nothing kills team morale faster than favouritism. Leaders who talk about teamwork while showing preferential treatment to specific individuals undercut the culture they aim to build. Hypocrisy erodes trust and creates resentment among team members. Fairness and impartiality are non-negotiable in leadership. Leaders should ensure that rewards, recognition, and responsibilities are distributed based on merit and contribution, not personal preferences.
- Stop micromanaging: If you don’t trust your team, why should they trust you?
Micromanagement stifles creativity and breeds distrust. When leaders hover over every detail, they do not trust their team’s abilities. A leader’s role is to provide direction, not control every process aspect. Empower your team to take ownership of their tasks, make decisions, and contribute their unique talents. Doing so will cultivate trust, encourage innovation, and create a more engaged team
- If you’re not developing your team, you’re diminishing them
A key aspect of leadership is developing your team’s potential. When you fail to invest in your people’s growth and development, you limit their capabilities and stifle the organization’s overall progress. Leadership requires mentorship, coaching, and providing opportunities for learning and development. Leaders must create a culture of continuous improvement where team members are encouraged to grow professionally and personally.
- If your team is afraid to speak up, you’ve already failed as a leader
A fearful environment is detrimental to any organization. When team members are afraid to voice their concerns or share ideas, it indicates a failure of leadership. A great leader fosters an atmosphere of open communication, where every team member feels safe to express their opinions without fear of retaliation or dismissal. Leaders must be approachable and receptive to feedback, creating a safe space for dialogue.
- If you’re not accountable, you’re not credible
Accountability is a hallmark of credibility. Leaders who fail to take responsibility for their actions lose the trust of their teams. Owning up to mistakes, addressing shortcomings, and working towards solutions are signs of integrity and maturity. A leader who passes the blame onto others lacks credibility. On the other hand, leaders who admit their faults and make genuine efforts to improve inspire confidence and respect.
- Don’t just set the pace, set the standard
Leaders are often expected to lead by example, setting the pace for the team. However, simply setting the pace is not enough. True leaders set high standards of excellence and model the behaviours they wish to see in their teams. Excellence is contagious. When leaders maintain high standards in their work ethic, professionalism, and conduct, they inspire their teams to rise to the occasion.
- Your team doesn’t work for you—you work for them
Effective leadership is not about wielding authority over your team; it’s about serving them. A leader’s primary job is to remove obstacles, provide resources, and create an environment where the team can succeed. Leaders who view themselves as servants to their teams foster loyalty and commitment. When your team knows you are working for their success, they will go above and beyond to achieve organizational goals.
- If your actions don’t inspire, your words won’t
Talk is cheap if not backed by action. Leaders who make grand promises but fail to follow through quickly lose credibility. Actions speak louder than words, and leaders must lead by example. If you want to inspire your team, let your actions demonstrate the values you promote. Consistency between words and actions builds trust and motivates others to follow suit.
- A leader takes the blame and shares the fame.
Finally, a great leader knows that they are the first to accept responsibility when things go wrong. When things go right, they share the credit with their team. This selflessness builds trust and motivates team members to give their best effort. Taking responsibility when things go wrong demonstrates humility and earns respect while sharing the glory fosters a sense of shared success and unity.
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In conclusion, leadership is about accountability, growth, and serving others. The 12 wake-up calls offer a roadmap for leaders to reflect on their practices and make necessary adjustments. By focusing on these principles, leaders can foster more vigorous, more empowered teams and create a culture of excellence and trust.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
Kamomonti teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County.
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