Seven Leadership Habits That Can Disengage Your Team
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Team Engagement
Employee engagement can often hinge on simple actions—or inactions—by leaders.
In this piece, part of the Monday Morning Manager Series aimed at leaders, managers, and team supervisors, we explore how to uplift rather than disengage your team through conscious leadership practices. Work consumes a significant portion of our lives, making it essential to foster a positive workplace atmosphere. Leaders should inspire and motivate their teams, ensuring that everyone feels valued and engaged.
Throughout my career in learning and development, I've encountered numerous managers seeking assistance in re-engaging their teams. Conversely, I’ve also been approached by team members who felt their managers' actions were detrimental to group morale. Disengaged employees may choose to leave, increasing turnover and depleting organizational knowledge, or they might remain but quietly withdraw from their responsibilities. In extreme cases, disengagement can lead to sabotage when team members withhold their insights during critical projects.
It's easy for anyone to slip into detrimental habits due to stress or overwhelming workloads, causing us to engage in practices we know are harmful. Initially, team members may tolerate a manager's few bad habits, but patience can wear thin, leading to discontent that erodes a leader's credibility.
While I have previously discussed the traits of toxic leaders, the following habits are not toxic per se; they are often careless and self-serving, yet they can still result in team disengagement.
Section 1.1: The Impact of Missing Meetings
Consistently missing meetings—whether one-on-one, team, or client sessions—creates frustration among team members. Imagine preparing for a one-on-one discussion only to find your manager absent. You check the calendar, confirm the meeting was accepted, and yet you're left alone, contemplating whether to continue working on your laptop or leave altogether.
It's not just about personal meetings; I’ve experienced client meetings where a new manager failed to show up, wasting everyone's time and appearing unprofessional. While occasional absences are understandable, habitual no-shows can severely damage a leader's reputation.
Action Steps:
- Assess which meetings are essential for your schedule.
- Notify your team promptly if you must miss a meeting.
- Avoid scheduling multiple meetings in the same time slot.
- Regularly communicate with your team about their preferred meeting frequency.
- Set reminders to check your calendar daily.
Leadership and Constant Improvement | 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - YouTube
This video discusses how effective leadership habits can significantly enhance team dynamics and engagement.
Section 1.3: The Cost of Ignoring Communication
Ignoring emails from your team can lead to disengagement. A manager with thousands of unopened emails sends a message that team concerns are not valued, which can demoralize employees.
Action Steps:
- Set specific times to check emails throughout the day.
- Prioritize emails from team members and respond promptly.
- If unable to reply fully, inform team members when you will address their concerns.
Chapter 2: Building Effective Communication
4 Leadership Habits That Keep You Invisible - YouTube
This video outlines common leadership habits that can lead to team invisibility and disengagement, emphasizing the importance of visibility and communication.
Section 2.1: The Importance of Sharing Information
It's crucial to share relevant information with your team. If you receive updates about projects that affect your team members, communicate this information promptly to avoid confusion and frustration.
Action Steps:
- Always CC team members on relevant communications.
- Forward any critical emails immediately upon receipt.
- Involve team members in discussions related to their projects.
Section 2.2: Clarity in Instructions
Unclear instructions can leave team members hesitant and uncertain. Providing SMART goals and clear guidance is essential for success.
Action Steps:
- Ensure your team understands their goals and meet regularly to discuss progress.
- Offer constructive feedback as needed.
- Communicate any changes in priorities immediately.
Section 2.3: Respecting Work-Life Balance
Leaders should be mindful of their team's time and commitments. Expecting team members to accommodate your schedule, especially outside of work hours, is inconsiderate.
Action Steps:
- Seek volunteers for urgent tasks without pressuring those who cannot assist.
- Plan ahead to minimize last-minute emergencies.
- Negotiate deadlines when they are too tight.
Final Thoughts
Managers play a pivotal role in shaping their team's well-being. Poor leadership habits can lead to significant stress among employees. While the habits discussed may not be as severe as toxic leadership behaviors, they can still foster disengagement and reflect poorly on leadership practices.
Effective leadership is about fostering an environment where team members can thrive. Open communication, proper goal-setting, and respect for work-life balance are essential to building a cohesive and engaged team.
For a free team-building self-assessment and action plan template, click here.