The 7 deadly sins leaders commit that hold them back

The 7 deadly sins leaders commit that hold them backThe 7 deadly sins leaders commit that hold them backThis Seven Deadly Sins is a group of vices within religious teachings that are known as excessive versions of ones natural aptitudes. Though identified by desert fatherbeis in the third century as passions one needed to overcome, these shortcomings have relevance in todays work environment.1. Pride that you are more capable than your employeesHow gratifying is it to be dubbed King Know-It-All when everybody hates your guts? When you make all the decisions and give continual directives it cuts off their independence and desire to take risks. Innovation suffers and disengagement grows. Hire good people and get out of their way.2. Sloth in your dedication to develop your personal growth and that of your teamYou develop projects but how often do you develop your emotional intelligence? When was the last time you asked an employee, Where do you see yourself three years from now? What pr oject would you like to develop? What mindful routines do you practice daily that keep you calm and confident?3. Gluttony in your desire for perfection so that you look good, managing the perfect employees who develop flawless quality and sternbezogen productivity metrics for your own kudosBe vulnerable. Stop looking in the mirror and look your team members the eye. Are they worn out? Discouraged? Can you relate to them? Do they know you have been where they are? Do you care about them?4. Lust after all the other managers who have superior people, more resources and better jobsAnd fairies fly and prince charming is in everyone elses house. Stop dreaming about other pastures. The grass is green right under your own feet. Own it.5. Envy of leaders who have more power than youTrue power comes from searching inside yourself to play to your own signature strengths. Dont play to weaknesses or youll only be mediocre. We envy things we admire. What can you learn from the people you envy? Be a mindful observer without judgment. There is always a lesson in discord. Treat envy with curiosity.6. Wrath to those who make mistakesGetting even with someone who has hurt you is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. We forgive not for the other person but to free ourselves from oppression that develops into angry behavior and negative thoughts. Next time you see a child being scolded ask her how much she wants to help that parent do a chore.7. Greed to have it all which leads to unrealistic expectations of yourself and your teamWe live in a society that constantly reminds us we need to have more. More time, money, thin, young. That expectation is insatiable. Nothing is ever enough. When do you celebrate your successes? The shorter the distance between what you want and where you are, the happier you will be.Mary Lee Gannon, ACC, CAE is an executive coach and corporate CEO who helps busy leaders get off the treadmill to nowhere to be more effective, earn mor e, be more calm and enjoy connected relationships with the people who matter while it still matters. Watch her FREE Master Class training on Three Things to Transform Your Life and Career Right Now at www.MaryLeeGannon.com.