Infographic: 5 Common Mistakes That New Leaders Make

You have just been promoted to a leadership position. Congratulations! But, as the excitement begins to wane a few months into the job, you realize you might have made an error in judgment by accepting the promotion. You are regularly facing new challenges and situations you did not previously imagine. It seems that the skills and knowledge that made you a great individual performer are not enough to make you a successful leader.

This scenario is all too common. In fact, I had these very same thoughts and concerns when I first became a manager many years ago. During the ensuing years, I have seen other new—and not so new—managers make some of the same blunders that I made, as well as a few that I somehow avoided. While every situation is unique, I have identified five of the more common mistakes that new leaders make. Maybe you will recognize some of these.

5-common-mistakes-that-new-leaders-make

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Article source: http://www.evancarmichael.com/Leadership/1991/5-Common-Mistakes-That-New-Leaders-Make.html

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71 Responses to “Infographic: 5 Common Mistakes That New Leaders Make”

  1. Infographic: 5 Common Mistakes That New Leaders Make http://tiny.ly/mGhl

  2. I like it, but I want to see 5-10…I hope “Assuming you it all” is on there somewhere.

    1. Hi Chris – those are the only 5 from the original article. You can check it out here: http://www.evancarmichael.com/Leadership/1991/5-Common-Mistakes-That-New-Leaders-Make.html – there are related articles from the same author on the top left that might interest you.

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  18. Rachel says:

    Great points! I realize I made some of those mistakes at the company I previously worked with. If there are some works that needed to be done right away, I sometimes do the work myself. Thanks for posting this very helpful infographic!

    1. Great to hear Rachel – I’m glad you enjoyed!

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  22. Sandy says:

    These are common mistakes that new leaders make and sometimes they tend to forget how can they improve or make these mistakes right. I’m certain when they read your infographic, they will be enlightened! Good job!

    1. Thanks for the comment Sandy!

  23. Robbie says:

    Hi! I think these are just few of the common mistakes a new leader make. I admit I made some but it’s good to learn from your mistakes. Thanks! I will share this!

    1. Great to hear – thanks Robbie!

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  25. sean says:

    I must admit that I too, had experienced these mistakes. I am just glad that over the years of struggling I was able to conquer it all. This is a very good advise Evan.

  26. martin says:

    When I was reading this, I thought “this has a really good relevance on what was happening with us”. I mean, being a leader can be a very challenging job especially if you’re just a beginner, but we have to address the matter at hand before it becomes worse. Thanks for the eye-opener Evan!

  27. laura says:

    This happens for real. In the company I was working with before, I even heard gossips from our employees how unjust that they were treated because of a single person’s mistake. We had a new boss of course. This will certainly work for him. I’m not in the company anymore but I will definitely recommend this site to that good old friend of mine. Thanks Evan!

  28. cassie says:

    We sometimes have to be out of course before we figure out that we actually realize that this is not helping a bit in managing people. This infographic is applicable to everyone, not only young leaders but also employees who are aspiring to be one. You sure did your job well here.

  29. steve says:

    Most people might think that if they commit mistakes, they will in the latter part, succeed. But why not aim on not doing a mistake in the first place. I know for a fact that new leaders encounter these mistakes which is unavoidable. I am just glad to know that you Evan is paving the way for us not to make those mistakes happen.

  30. Arianne says:

    Thanks for pointing out these common mistakes Evan. I think almost all leaders commit one of those. But one should learn how to make these mistakes right and be an asset to the company. Great advise!

  31. laila says:

    You caught me off-guarded here Evan. I must say, you have the ways of dealing with all sorts of people not only entrepreneurs in this infographic of yours. I may not be a leader, but I am a follower and I find this so true. Thank you for the so inspiring posts you have Evan.

  32. jacob says:

    I could relate to the common mistake number 2 on this infographic. I have to say that before I became an entrepreneur myself, I have to be under the management of someone else. Evan, I will never commit this mistake since I was once treated like this as a regular emloyee by my own boss. I feel for my subordinates like you are reaching out to others to aid them with your prowess. Thanks for such a great infographic!

  33. ryan says:

    Coaching and training a team will help alleviate productivity and effectiveness. To become an efficient manager, one must be able to delegate the tasks among members and achieve one common end. I appreciate this infographic Evan, truly something useful for us all.

  34. stuart says:

    we must never cross the line if we know that we don’t have the authority to do so. Same thing goes for a raise promised by one’s boss. If one’s boss if not able to keep his word, most likely the employee will not have full confidence in him and will become demotivated.

  35. bella says:

    Employees are often gullible to a promise or a statement made by their superior. They use it as an inspiration for their performance at work. Being the boss, I make sure that I address their concerns and aspirations. Great work on this infographic.

  36. edward says:

    To err is human. This is actually what we commonly say as an excuse to make mistakes. Good thing there is someone like Evan lighting the right way for us who are still lost.

  37. chris says:

    People always look up to their leaders as someone who will make them in the peak of success. That is why this infographic is very important to us all. We must keep in my to stay in solid ground and be guided all the way. Thanks to Evan.

  38. rose says:

    Being new in my position makes me feel really awkward especially in making decisions. This certainly eased a lot of tension in me. I will be looking forward in reading your magnificent posts and infographics Evan. Thanks!

  39. andrew says:

    My colleague recommended me to visit your website since he is deeply concerned about my situation. To my surprise, you do have the answers that I was looking for in this infographic. I am relieved and thankful to this site and most of all to you Evan, I now found my inspiration for the job.

  40. lisa says:

    Honestly, I was on the verge of quitting my job. I was hopeless and a loner. I heard so many good feedbacks about you Evan that made me interested in your work. Thanks to you, I still have my job, I love it and it’s for keeps.

  41. luke says:

    Everything happens for a reason, especially mistakes. Bottomline is, we have to maneuver from those mistakes and think of the best resolution to the problem. You certainly made me inspired again Evan with you work. Thanks!

  42. eric says:

    It’s not easy to make judgements and you’re more prone to make mistakes when you are just starting. Well we can never consider that performance issues will be resolved overtime, especially not with magic. All I can say is, we have to put some action and not be afraid to ask suggestions from those who has vast experience in your field.

  43. michael says:

    Common mistake number 3 hits the spot! I actually didn’t realized that I was not being fair, I mean I had a favorite employee before, professionally and performance wise of course. I managed to maintain fair treatment because it will be for the greater good. Great job Evan.

  44. tina says:

    New leaders sometimes are advised to think out of the box so as to get matters addressed. This is where mistakes come in. This infographic will be of big help to all newcomers out there. Hope you all appreciate it such as I did.

  45. tyra says:

    We don’t have to casually make promises that we can’t keep just to win our employees hearts. This is what I always believe in. You must prove to them that you are worthy of being a leader. Committing mistakes in not a mortal sin, you just have to know how to triumph over that obstacle. Fantastic views in this infographic Evan!

  46. mike says:

    People have different ways on dealing with their mistakes. This infographic says everything that is true about what we tend and usually do. You did a brilliant work as always Evan.

  47. kyle says:

    I truly believe in your views Evan. Out of 10 leaders, 9 of them will for sure make these mistakes. It’s a proven fact, because I’ved been there and done all of it.

  48. Kelly says:

    Newly promoted individuals should see this infographic so that they can be aware of the mistakes they might commit in the coming days. This is great! Thanks for sharing!

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  50. Taylor says:

    I believe that when you tell people of their mistakes it could help a lot. Sometimes leaders are not aware that what they do is not right anymore. It’s best that they know what their mistakes are. This infographic is a must-share!

  51. Jenny says:

    Such a great infographic! I’ve been through some of those mistakes and I’m thankful that I was able to get things right before it’s too late. I will definitely share this with my colleagues. Thanks for making this!

  52. Mary says:

    There are some new leaders that always commit mistake #1. They tend to wait for many people to complain before taking actions. This is a good infographic not only for future leaders but also for their followers.

  53. Charlie says:

    I had a supervisor before who punished everyone from the team because of the mistake of one of them. I thought it was unfair for those people who work honestly. I think he should see this infographic to learn from his mistake. Thanks!

  54. Brad says:

    This infographic really pointed out the common mistakes new leaders make. I’m glad to share this especially to those new leaders or people who wanted to be promoted as future leaders of their company. It would be a great help. Thanks!

  55. Karen says:

    I’m glad you have created this infographic Evan. The fact that most leaders are not really aware that sometimes they are already committing big mistakes, this would definitely enlighten them. Thanks for giving us the chance to share this!

  56. Sarah says:

    I’d love to share this with my boss… If only I could because he doesn’t seem to care what other people think. This infographic is very helpful. Let me share this to my colleagues. Thanks!

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  58. Jake says:

    I think mistake #5 is the most common of all. Most managers always make promises, maybe to motivate the employees. And most of the time they fail to deliver these promises. Nice infographic!

  59. Helen says:

    This list of common mistakes is a really helpful infographic to help give new leaders reminders of what they might do or already have done. This is great. Would love to spread this especially to a friend who just got promoted. Thanks!

  60. Carl says:

    I’m glad to see this. Most new leaders or managers are not aware that they are already making some of these mistakes. I’ll definitely share this! Thanks!

  61. Carl says:

    I’m glad to see this. Most new leaders or managers are not aware that they are already making some of these mistakes. I’ll definitely share this! Thanks!

  62. Hanna says:

    Such a very helpful infographic! This is great to share with new leaders so that they’ll know what possible problems they will encounter. Thanks for this!

  63. Jordan says:

    I saw the other infographic with the ten quotes and I must say you’re really good at this. Thanks for making these beneficial infographics! Good job!

  64. Infogrfía 5 errores comunes que cometen los nuevos líderes
    http://t.co/SOQ6c8g

  65. Kaley Klemp says:

    Great infographic! #4 reminds me of the “Caretaker” personality type I talk about in my book (mixed in with a bit of “Controller”). Being a new leader is tough until you start understanding the personalities of your team members!

    1. Thanks for sharing Kaley!

      1. Kaley Klemp says:

        No problem! Thanks for your great posts!

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