Top 10 Mistakes That Leaders Make

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser, founder of the CEO project, discusses common mistakes made by leaders and managers. With nearly 20 years of experience working with CEOs and running companies himself, Jim has encountered various patterns of errors throughout his career. He emphasizes that although individuals may believe they are making unique mistakes, there are often common pitfalls that many leaders fall into.

Jim proceeds to share the top 10 mistakes, along with a bonus 11th mistake, that he has observed. While his focus is primarily on CEOs, he acknowledges that these mistakes can also apply to managers overseeing smaller groups or departments. He assures listeners that he will maintain confidentiality by anonymizing the stories he shares, as some may be embarrassing for those involved. However, he encourages listeners to reflect on their mistakes and see if any resonate with their own experiences.

The first mistake Jim addresses is the failure to delegate. He acknowledges that delegation can be challenging and requires a high level of trust. Context is crucial in determining when and how to delegate tasks. High-risk situations or low-experienced teams may require caution, whereas low-risk and reversible tasks should be delegated whenever possible. Jim emphasizes the transformative effects of effective delegation on reducing stress, workload, and the ability to develop others.

Overall, this podcast episode aims to shed light on common mistakes made by leaders and managers, providing valuable insights for improving decision-making and performance in the workplace.