I know numerous leaders with incredible potential. They have all the appearance of being good leaders. But they lack one thing… or two.
There are a few silent killers of good leadership. Any one of these can crush momentum and sabotage influence. Think of them as wrecking balls swinging straight through a leader’s future.
It’s not that people struggling with these issues can’t lead. But to grow, to lead at a higher level, or to sustain leadership for the long haul, these issues must be addressed.
12 killers of good leadership:
Defensiveness
Good leaders do not wear their feelings on their shoulders. They believe other perspectives matter and are not threatened by being challenged.
Jealousy
A healthy leader celebrates when others succeed. They are secure enough to cheer the wins of their team.
Revenge
Long-term leaders choose forgiveness over retaliation. Getting even always comes back to hurt both the leader and the organization.
Fearfulness
Strong leaders remain steady when others hesitate. They take the risks no one else will. That is why people follow them.
Favoritism
Good leaders reward results, not relationships. Favoritism destroys trust and poisons team culture.
Ungratefulness
Leaders who thrive understand success is never solo. They value people because leadership is never accomplished alone.
Small-Mindedness
Good leaders think beyond today. They see the future clearly and lead with vision, not limitation.
Pridefulness
Pride always invites a fall. Effective leaders remain humble, remembering leadership is stewardship, not entitlement.
Rigidity
Leaders must be firm in values, but flexible in methods. Progress requires openness to change and new ideas.
Laziness
Leadership requires effort. The best leaders model work ethic by outworking the room, not coasting through it.
Unresponsiveness
Good leaders don’t lead from behind closed doors. They listen, engage, and remain accessible. Disconnect limits influence.
Dishonesty
Character outranks competence. When leaders fall, they own it and pursue restoration. Integrity keeps authority intact.
A leader may wrestle with one or more of these, but the goal is to lead killer-free.
Leader, be honest:
Which one is your wrecking ball right now?
And one more question…
Can you think of any other killers of good leadership?
