10 Leadership Lessons That You Can Learn From Bad Leaders
We’re used to taking our cues and learning from leaders who we consider to be great.
The fact is, you can learn just as much from the leaders you come into contact with who are less-than-perfect.
Dealing with a bad boss – and his/her mistakes – can present numerous opportunities for you to hone your own leadership skills.
Let’s take a look at some of the lessons that can be learned from the bad leadership you encounter.
1-How to be flexible
A boss who can’t adapt to different styles and personalities can be a tyrant. A good leader is able to roll with the strengths and weaknesses of his or her employees.
2-How to be thankful
When a supervisor has an attitude of ungratefulness, everyone around them can tell. It certainly doesn’t bring out the best in those under their leadership.
3-How to be humble
An arrogant leader is a great example not to follow. You’ll always get a better response to your authority if you’re gentle and show those under you respect.
4-How to be calm
You’ve probably witnessed the wrath of a boss who has come unglued at the slightest infraction. It’s not pretty. It’s much easier to respect a leader who doesn’t lose their cool but calmly handles problems.
5-How to forgive
Strong leaders have the maturity to forgive and not hold offenses against those who make mistakes. As an employee, you’re not likely to approach a boss when you’ve made a mistake if you know her reaction is going to be one of anger and holding a grudge.
6-How to resolve conflict
A good boss is also a great mediator. He won’t play two sides of a conflict against each two employees, but will seek a resolution that is as satisfactory as possible for both parties.
7-How to network
A difficult supervisor can motivate coworkers to form relationships that they may not have otherwise. These connections can be helpful for the day-to-day, as well as in the future. You never know what contacts may be useful for furthering your career.
8-How to be a good listener
If you have a boss who doesn’t listen to the ideas of you or your coworkers, then you know how important it is to be the opposite! Your employees need to know that they’re being heard and that their ideas matter.
9-How to be resilient
Constantly dealing with leadership that isn’t up to par will teach you how to roll with the punches. As much as it’s a difficult lesson to learn, it’s one that will serve you well in many areas of life.
10-How to have the right perspective
Watching someone in action who has the wrong perspective will quickly show you how important it is to try and see situations through the eyes of others. A well-rounded vision is always better than a one-sided point of view.
Bad leader, good lessons
Did you realize how many good qualities you can learn from working under a bad leader?
You can experience a great deal of growth when your boss is a terrible manager. It may not be easy or pleasant, but the lessons you learn will be an asset to you in your own career, whether you’re on a leadership track or simply desire to be a good coworker.
What lessons have you learned from experiencing poor leadership?
