Managers make all the difference in the world for their valued employees, especially newcomers. When new employees accept an offer, they don't know what fate has in store working for their new boss. Their work experience may be the greatest ever or the most stressful ever. 

For all bosses, certain behaviors are inexcusable, especially if the pattern keeps repeating. Here are four that will tell you whether they should even be in a leadership role or not.

1. Unable to listen effectively

Mastering communication skills is clearly and undeniably a prerequisite before your feet are firmly planted in Leadership Land.

Bosses who uphold professionalism will minimize digital distractions, engage the listener in a two-way conversation and actively listen to the other person.

The opposite is a boss who doesn't understand the effects of his unprofessional listening habits. Here's a quick test (honesty is the best policy):

• How often do you find yourself trying hard to avoid the bad habit of interrupting others while they are speaking?
• Do you find yourself tempted to jump in and finish someone else's sentence?

Effective listening is being content to listen to the entire thought of someone rather than waiting impatiently for your chance to respond.

This is being totally present in the conversation. It shows that you're both interested and curious about the other person's story.

2. No skills in disciplining an employee 

No manager looks forward to having to discipline an employee. Even worse is one unprepared to confront the person by understanding the situation from all sides. 

Most good leaders employ face-to-face discussions to deal with low performers. And they have a game plan that's well-thought-out in advance. They will analyze the problem first to get clarity by asking questions like:

• Does the employee understand what the problem is?
• Does the employee really understand the expected level of performance?
• Does the employee fully understand what will happen if performance standards are not met?
• Do I, as the manager, have all the facts? Who, what, where, when, why and how?                  3. A lack of accountability

Bosses who don't exercise responsibility and own up to "their stuff" when they're at fault will fast lose respect and credibility.

When they can't admit to their own mistakes, are never wrong and will blame other people (typically their subordinates) when something goes wrong, even if it's not based on reality, clearly, this is someone that should be removed from the leadership ranks. 

Bosses who display these inexcusable traits are simply not accountable for their own actions. They are more concerned with preserving their reputation and saving face.

4. Fear of being visible and out in the open

Some managers prefer to dwell in the safety of their offices or behind their virtual kingdoms, without engaging their workforce, in order to avoid heat or conflict when the chips are down.

Case in point, in a previous HR advising role back in my corporate days, I met with an executive to discuss lowering his staff's turnover by developing a more transparent culture and making his role and work routine more visible – literally – to his people.

I told him that this tactic was an attempt to strengthen his image and reputation and to improve the cardiac-level employee-engagement numbers with his own reports.

He wanted no part in it; he saw this approach as exposing him, rather than as a courageous way to build bridges and connect with his employees.

The lesson: Being a more authentic leader unafraid of showing up daily with open and honest communication, integrity, accountability to self and others and a willingness to be out in front will win over your followers.

 

Inc