Are you a business owner or manager who finds it challenging to strike the right balance between being a leader and a people pleaser? Let’s talk about the impact of people-pleasing on your team, your company, and ultimately, your profitability. Here’s what you need to know and three ways to avoid falling into the people-pleasing trap:

Signs of a People-Pleasing Leader:

Saying “Yes” to Everything: You often find yourself unable to say “no” to requests or demands from your team, even if it means overcommitting or sacrificing your priorities.

Avoiding Difficult Conversations: Addressing conflicts or giving constructive feedback feels uncomfortable, so you tend to avoid these conversations altogether, leading to unresolved issues.

Fear of Disapproval: Your actions are primarily driven by seeking approval and validation from your team, often at the expense of making tough decisions.

Impact on Your Team and Company:

Hindered Productivity: Constantly prioritizing others’ needs over important tasks can lead to inefficiency and missed deadlines, hindering overall productivity.

Diminished Team Morale: Inconsistent decision-making or favoritism can breed resentment among team members, affecting their motivation and engagement.

Stagnant Growth: People-pleasing can prevent necessary changes and improvements in your company, hindering growth and innovation.

Here are 3 Ways to Avoid Being a People-Pleasing Leader:

Set Clear Boundaries: Define your priorities and communicate them to your team. Learn to say “no” when necessary, while still maintaining empathy and understanding.

Encourage Honest Feedback: Foster an open and safe environment for your team to share their thoughts and concerns. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.

Focus on the Vision: Align your decisions with the long-term vision and goals of your company. While considering your team’s needs, make choices that ultimately benefit the organization’s success.

Remember, being a leader doesn’t mean pleasing everyone all the time. Embrace your role with confidence, empathy, and strategic decision-making. By prioritizing the greater good of your company and team, you’ll build a strong foundation for sustainable growth and success.

If you recognize that you are leading through people pleasing and you want to make a change, reach out to me for a discussion and let’s create an action plan to make a change today.