Each day, you come to work aiming for success and positive results. However, you seem to be falling short in certain areas. What could be the culprit?

As an experienced executive search firm in Sacramento, CA, Pacific ExecSearch knows that for many managers, the problem lies with their leadership skills. So many times, individuals aren’t trained when they’re promoted into a management position and, as a result, they develop poor or ineffective habits.

What can you do? Below are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

#1: You don’t listen.

One of your staff members comes to you for guidance and advice, and you barely look up at them from your phone. You may think you can multi-task, but when it comes to interacting with your people, it’s imperative to put the phone down, or step away from your computer, and give them your full attention.

#2: You’re negative.

Good leaders are inspirational; they’re not always focused on the negative. Even if your team is in a bad position, it’s important to point out the silver lining and make a plan for achieving positive results. That said, you don’t want to be unrealistic. But being negative all the time isn’t going to motivate your team to achieve success.

#3: You micromanage.

If you hired the best people, you shouldn’t feel the need to constantly look over their shoulders. Instead, stay confident in your hiring decisions and give them the freedom to get the job done on their own. No employee appreciates a helicopter boss and when you become one, you’re going to lose your best employees.

#4: You say one thing and do another.

You promise an employee you’ll look into a matter, but never you do. You tell a sick employee to take all the time off they need to feel better, but then treat them in a passive aggressive manner. These are the kinds of behaviors that are going to cause your employees to lose trust in you – and respect for you. It’s important to always keep your word and to be truthful, even when it’s difficult.

#5: You’re aloof.

If you never crack a smile, show no interest in getting to know your employees, and never offer a word of praise, your people are going to view you as a dictator rather than a leader. You may think you’re simply cool, calm and collected; but your employees think you’re detached. That’s why it’s so important to get to know your people and what motivates them. It will make you a better leader – who can deliver better results – in the end.

Are you a leader in need of help hiring and retaining top employees? Call Pacific ExecSearch. As an experienced executive search firm in Sacramento, CA, we have extensive experience sourcing, evaluating and helping companies hire mission-critical professionals for high-level positions.

To learn more about how we can help your organization, contact us today.