Top Executive Blind Spots
How Leadership Coaching Can Address Blind Spots to Boost Workplace Efficiency
The CEO and other executives of an organization have important jobs laden with pressure and responsibility. When the executives spread themselves too thin or try to do everything, they often make significant mistakes that can have serious repercussions for the entire organization.
These five blind spots can be devastating if left untreated, but with leadership coaching, executives can learn to approach their roles in a way that boosts efficiency and productivity while reducing stress.
Ineffective Leadership Distribution
One of the biggest blind spots executives fall for is an ineffective distribution of leadership. This is particularly prevalent with company founders or business owners. Owners or CEOs may attempt to micromanage every detail, believing they have to shoulder the burden or the business will fail. However, this creates a stifling environment that makes it difficult for others in leadership roles to do their jobs.
Emphasizing Tasks Instead of Behaviors
Often, CEOs pay attention to tasks rather than behaviors that can facilitate success and high performance. These are behaviors related to having a change-oriented mindset, accountability, and a desire to continually improve.
Not Correcting Bad Behavior
Along a similar line, many CEOs ignore bad behaviors in the workplace if, on paper, the offending employees are meeting their production goals and performing well. For example, a bad manager may be hitting targets while constantly yelling at employees. This can lead to employee retention issues, chasing away otherwise good employees due to management issues.
CEOs need to be comfortable setting organizational values and creating an environment that facilitates a safe workplace culture. They also need to be comfortable deciding to reprimand, or even remove, people who cannot facilitate good organizational values.
Communication Failures
Communication is a two-way street. When CEOs fail to communicate clearly and consistently, the entire organization suffers. The CEO should be able to effectively communicate the organization’s values, vision, and expectations, plus any changes it makes.
Additionally, good communication involves strong active listening skills. This means listening to feedback and concerns and making employees feel like they can come to you with problems. This is where CEOs tend to fail the most. Good listening skills help foster a positive culture based on trust, respect, and collaboration.
Ignoring Other Perspectives
Part of being a good leader is knowing when to listen to advice and feedback. When leaders constantly disregard advice from advisors, stakeholders, and clients, they can create conflict that prevents the organization from running smoothly.
People in the organization should be heading in the same direction and not splintering into several groups attempting to go their own ways. The CEO’s role is to lead the way, taking all relevant concerns into consideration. Additional perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them, can always offer insight that you may not have seen otherwise.
Leadership Coaching for Executives
Executives who find they struggle with the above blind spots may benefit from leadership coaching to strengthen their abilities and boost their confidence. In leadership coaching, people learn the value of effective communication and how to delegate tasks efficiently. As a result, leaders become more effective, and the entire organization benefits.
Leadership Choice offers leadership training, coaching, and communication workshops to provide leaders with the skills they need to foster a productive, safe organization and positive workplace culture.
