This week on The JSA Blog, we’re sharing some news based on what we are seeing in the current marketplace.
Leaders in the workplace are responsible for the growth of the individuals they oversee as well as the collective success of the team. Although many leaders are simply focused on the bottom line, the impact of a leader on their team’s happiness cannot be overstated. Through studies, market research and employee surveys, the data clearly illustrates that a happy employee is a more productive employee. And a collection of happy and productive employees translates to success within a team or organization.
According to a recent poll, “69% of people say their manager has a greater impact on their mental health than their doctor or their therapist.” This further displays the truth that effective leadership is not merely about making strategic decisions or achieving goals. It’s about fostering an environment in which team members flourish, both professionally and personally.
Yet, despite their best intentions, leaders often find themselves inadvertently stumbling into common pitfalls that erode the very foundation of team morale and well-being. By recognizing these patterns, leaders can equip themselves with the wisdom to lead with greater empathy, insight, and effectiveness, ultimately forging a path toward a happier and more harmonious work environment.
According to Fast Company, here are 5 mistakes leaders make that undermine the happiness of their teams:
- They aren’t present and lack responsiveness. This mistake can lead to feelings of neglect and a sense of unimportance among the team, eroding trust and mutual respect. When leaders are not actively engaged, team members might hesitate to share their concerns, ideas, or challenges, fostering a culture of silence that hampers collaboration and growth.
- They fail to highlight the importance of purpose and appreciation. This mistake can inadvertently deprive the team of a sense of meaning and recognition. When team members are left without a clear understanding of how their work contributes to the bigger picture or the impact it has, they may struggle to find motivation and passion in their tasks. In addition, the absence of gratitude and acknowledgment for their efforts can leave team members feeling under-appreciated and demotivated.
- They neglect to offer opportunities for growth through challenges. When leaders overlook the essential aspect of offering challenges, they inadvertently stifle their team’s potential for growth and development. Without the chance to stretch their abilities and confront new tasks, team members may experience a sense of stagnation and complacency. This lack of stimulating challenges can lead to boredom and disengagement, eroding the team’s enthusiasm for their roles and impeding their personal and professional advancement.
- They fail to make the team a priority. By neglecting to place the team at the forefront, leaders inadvertently sow the seeds of discontent and disconnection within their teams. This lack of prioritization can lead to a decrease in morale, a breakdown of camaraderie, and a decline in overall teamwork. Team members may start to feel like insignificant cogs in a machine, resulting in decreased motivation and diminished happiness levels.
- They lack transparency. When crucial information is withheld or decisions are made behind closed doors, team members can feel excluded and mistrustful of leadership’s intentions. This lack of openness can lead to rumors, misunderstandings, and a general sense of unease. Without clear communication and insight into the reasoning behind decisions, team members may struggle to align their efforts with the organization’s goals, leading to confusion and frustration.
For more details and to read the full article from Fast Company, click the link below!
