Good leadership addresses the needs and wants of others. Selfish leadership tramples this principle by shifting attention entirely to the leader’s interests.
Its signs can quickly turn into a disease that can harm your success as a leader. Here are some signs to look out for:
An argument
If you often find yourself in situations where you come into conflict with others, or if you approach discussions with your subordinates and colleagues thinking that they are wrong and you are right, you are probably giving them the impression that you are arrogant and disrespectful opinion. Try to avoid arguments and make an effort to eradicate your prejudices. Look for points of agreement.
Absence
If you are constantly engaged in something when your employees need you, they will begin to perceive you as distracted, self-absorbed, and unavailable. Spend more time on the needs of your subordinates. This will make them more engaged and motivated at work.
Defensiveness
When your leadership is based only on protecting your interests, you can easily find yourself in a situation where you sacrifice the interests of your employees and the company as a whole. A true leader puts his own needs last and those of his subordinates first.
Bragging rights
If you take all the credit for your team’s successes instead of sharing the spotlight with them, you’re showing where your priorities lie. Don’t expect your employees to do their best on the next task, knowing that their efforts will ultimately go unappreciated. True leaders focus on the contributions of their subordinates and always reward them for a job well done.
Competition
Competition can motivate people to do better at their jobs, but if they are forced to compete with their colleagues, and even more so with their leaders, they end up in a no-win situation. Your job as a leader is to set an example for your subordinates, not to compete with them. You must not forget that you are on the same side and fighting for a common cause. Direct your need for comparison to your real competitors.
Envy
If you feel envious of the successes of your subordinates, you should remind yourself that at the core of leadership is precisely offering support and help to others. Learn to appreciate the achievements of your employees and understand that they are not at your expense, but for your benefit.
Deception
If you base your leadership on a false sense of self-importance, you need to understand that haughty behavior leads to self-imposed isolation from the people you are supposed to lead. This is counterproductive and damaging to your reputation. Let go of delusions of grandeur and focus on building an effective team.
In conclusion, it can be said that selfish leadership is dangerous, both for yourself and for the people you lead. Few things can have a greater negative impact on your influence and the respect and trust others place in you.
