“The most difficult matter is not so much to change the world as yourself.” ~ Nelson Mandela
It is amazing to me, that in this time where there are countless videos, seminars, workshops, books, and podcasts on how to be an extraordinary leader, we continue to hear story after story and see example after example of leaders who are downright, just plain lousy!
And it is not just in Washington D.C amongst the politicians, it is a world-wide epidemic that has stricken corporations and institutions of every kind, including religious, educational, and non-profit.
Lousi Leaders?
Ironically, the word “lousy” originated from the 14th century word “lousi” – which means to be infested with lice. Of course the definition of “lice” – a small, wingless insect, parasitic on humans and having mouth parts adapted for sucking or biting. Maybe this explains why working for a lousy leader sucks the life right out of you.
In this time of political correctness and over-sensitivity, I wonder, if once-in-a-while you just need to call ’em how you see ’em?
That said, in an effort to NOT put “lipstick on a pig,” I am going to share “The whole pig and nothing but the pig!”
You Might Be A Lousy Leader If You’ve Ever:
- Called a meeting in your office and stayed on a personal call for 10 minutes while your 4 managers sat there and waited for you for you to finish…you might be a lousy leader!
- Told any of your people that you don’t want to be questioned because you’re very sensitive and get your feelings hurt easily…you might be a lousy leader!
- Stormed out of a meeting went back to your office and slammed your door shut because somebody said something that upset you…you might be a lousy leader!
- Used the dog training technique of locking eyes with your employee and lowering your voice to communicate with them because it works with your dog…you might be a lousy leader!
- Asked your assistant to type their own termination letter…you might be a lousy leader!
- Gotten drunk at an office happy hour and decided it was a good time to drop your pants and moon the rest of the bar in front of your people…you might be a lousy leader!
- Been looking for one of your employee’s of the opposite sex and try to locate them by banging on their respective restroom door calling out names until someone responds…you might be a lousy leader!
- If you have debrief meetings with your entire team every Friday afternoon that last for 4 hours or more just so you can micro-manage your people and their projects…you might be a lousy leader!
I didn’t say it was pretty, I just said it was a pig.
Got one of your own favorites? Please feel free to add to the list!
One last thought…If you’ve ever exhibited more than one of these behaviors, you might want to seriously consider a different profession.
Ya’ think?
