Bad Behaviors Threatening Your Influence

It never ceases to amaze me how many leaders lack self-reflection. Time and again, I meet corporate teams eager to improve communication—only to find leaders unaware of how their behaviors sabotage the respect and credibility they need. 

Some mistakenly believe their title shields them from scrutiny; others simply lack awareness of the toll their actions take on their reputation. Take punctuality, for example. You’d expect leaders to set the tone by valuing time, but too often they arrive late to work or meetings, disrupting progress and demanding to be caught up. This behavior screams, "My time is more valuable than yours," which feels disrespectful and arrogant. 

Another common misstep is after-hours texts and emails. While urgent messages are sometimes necessary, making this a habit breeds resentment and burnout. Employees need time to decompress, and leaders must respect those boundaries to maintain trust and morale. 

Perhaps most surprising is the distracted leader, constantly on their phone—even during meetings or hallway conversations. This absent-mindedness sends a loud message: your device outranks the people around you. 

The path to influence starts with honest feedback. Leaders who seek and embrace feedback can identify these blind spots. Only then can they break bad habits and rebuild credibility. 

For leaders aiming to earn respect and truly influence, self-awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential. 

Until next time, wishing you influence Monday to Monday. 

Supporting Research: 

Why Self-Awareness Is Key to Leadership — Harvard Business Review 
https://hbr.org/2018/01/why-self-awareness-is-key-to-leadership 

The Cost of Poor Leadership Habits — Forbes 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2020/09/15/the-cost-of-poor-leadership-habits/ 

The Impact of Leadership on Employee Engagement — Gallup 
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236441/right-culture-not-employee-satisfaction.aspx