10 Practices Of The Most Frustrating Leaders

I have worked for several leaders who were a source of constant frustration for me and my teammates.  It seemed the greatest impediment to our team’s success was overcoming our leader.  If you work long enough you will also eventually encounter someone similar.

As leaders, we must make sure we do everything within our power not to become Frustrating Leaders as well.  We must recognize the warning signs and make course corrections immediately before losing influence.

Recently, TheRichest.com ranked its Top 10 Current Athletes Who Frustrate Their Teammates.  You can read the list more in-depth by clicking here.  I felt the article provided a wonderful profile of the behaviors of leaders who frustrate their teammates.  This is something all leaders must know in order to reach their full potential.

The following are the 10 Practices Of The Most Frustrating Leaders:

1. The Most Frustrating Leaders Are Not Available – The most important ability a leader must have is availability.  New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was noted for being constantly injured and unable to perform.
2. The Most Frustrating Leaders Do Not Put In The Proper Amount Of Effort – The most successful organizations have leaders who are their hardest workers.  Despite being a three-time MVP, Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin is criticized for his lack of hustle and support of his teammates on the ice.
3. The Most Frustrating Leaders Have A Lack Of Production In Critical Moments – Tom Brady says, “To me what separates really good players from great players – executive well under pressure.  The biggest game.  The biggest stage.”  The Houston Rockets Dwight Howard lack urgency revealed itself in mid-season losses in big games against Oklahoma City and Indiana.
4. The Most Frustrating Leaders Constantly Make Poor Decisions – Dallas Stars goalie Tim Thomas declined the traditional White House visit after his 2011 Stanley Cup victory with the Boston Bruins.
5. The Most Frustrating Leaders Create Too Much Drama – Leaders should relieve drama, not create it.  In addition to a perceived poor relationship with teammates and coaches, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seems to over-exagerate injuries further angering his teammates.
6. The Most Frustrating Leaders Lack Self-Awareness – Few things are as worse as when the king has no clothes.  I am surprised Alex Rodriguez is not ranked even higher.  Despite wanting to be liked by everyone, few athletes in history have been more despised than Rodriguez. This reached a new low when he sued his own players union.
7. The Most Frustrating Leaders Are Selfish – Leaders are to serve others, not be served.  AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli has a long and dubious history of constantly putting his personal interest ahead of the team’s.
8. The Most Frustrating Leaders Lack Personal Discipline – The hardest person to lead is yourself.  In addition to several comical errors on the field, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig came into this season overweight and has also benched for tardiness.
9. The Most Frustrating Leaders Are High Maintenance – If your team has to overcome you to achieve success, you are a frustrating leader.  Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins is a constant source of headaches for teammates, management and officials.  His inability to get along with others culminated by being dismissed from Team USA Basketball as they prepared for the London Olympics.
10.  The Most Frustrating Leaders Constantly Make Excuses – Leaders focus on producing results while not making excuses.  Despite his immense talent, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has only had two 1,000 yard seasons and his teams have never finished above 8-8.  He always excuses his explosive temper away by discussing his “passion” for the game.

If any of these 10 practices describes your leadership, you are frustrating those you are called to serve.  The good news is there is still time to change and make the necessary improvements.

Few things help pastors and church leaders be less frustrating more than becoming a better preacher.  Click HERE or on the image to the left to sign up for the FREE April 29th online conference Preach Better Sermons.  You will learn from great leaders like Matt Chandler, Derwin Gray, Herbert Cooper, Jeff Henderson and Judah Smith how to improve as a preacher.  Don’t miss this!!!