Avoiding the Mistakes That Plague New Leaders

Bennis, W. (2010). Avoiding the mistakes that plaque new leaders. Retrieved March 13, 2010 from: http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.waterfield.murraystate.edu/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=14&sid=1d304b32-14b9-4529-9197-3887228dbb6a%40sessionmgr10&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=buh&AN=43480345#db=buh&AN=43480345

This article is a summary of an interview done with Warren G. Bennis, distinguished professor of business administration at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. In it, he discusses the mistakes that new leaders tend to make and should try to avoid. He states that there is a myth that leadership is a solo act and that leaders need to be in control of every aspect of the business. Further, he states the truth is that effective leaders need to be “bothered” by others; people that will give the leader “reflective back talk”. I order for this to be effective, there has to be a deep culture of trust and openness between the leader and his direct reports, otherwise the employees will not open up as they should. New leaders need to become good delegators, which will require them to turn loose of control and the desire for perfection. This article is a good tool for managers to read and understand. It can be very difficult for leaders to let go of control of some of the firm’s operations and decision making but to be and effective manager, it is crucial.