At Journey Payroll & HR, we’ve partnered with thousands of businesses led by passionate, dedicated individuals. But even the most well-intentioned leaders can sometimes get in their own way, creating stress, confusion, or dysfunction without realizing it. The truth is, leadership isn’t just about vision and direction, it’s also about awareness, humility, and the willingness to grow.
Here’s how to recognize when your leadership style or actions may be unintentionally hurting your team or your company, and what to do about it.
There’s a Culture of Silence or Fear
If your team hesitates to speak up, avoids sharing bad news, or only tells you what they think you want to hear, that’s a serious red flag. It can indicate that employees fear retaliation, dismissal, or that their input isn’t valued.
What to do:
Foster psychological safety by rewarding honesty, actively listening, and showing appreciation for constructive feedback even when it’s hard to hear.
High Turnover or Low Engagement
Are people quietly quitting, disengaging, or leaving faster than you can replace them? Leadership is often a top reason employees move on. Even if you’re deeply invested in the company’s success, the way you communicate your vision can significantly impact morale.
What to do:
Exit interviews and anonymous surveys can uncover patterns. Look for consistent themes and take them seriously.
Micromanagement Is Draining Productivity
Do you feel the need to oversee every task, decision, or detail? While hands-on leadership has its place, micromanagement often signals a lack of trust and stifles innovation, autonomy, and motivation.
What to do:
Set clear expectations, then step back. Allow your team to own their responsibilities and take pride in their work.
You’re Always the Smartest Person in the Room
If you find yourself shutting down ideas, dominating conversations, or ignoring input from others, you may be unintentionally limiting your team’s potential. Great leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers and that they don’t need to.
What to do:
Ask more questions. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Celebrate ideas that don’t come from you.
The Company Is Stalling, but You Blame Others
When growth slows, goals are missed, or tension rises, it’s easy to point fingers. But leadership is about ownership. If things aren’t working, the first place to look is the mirror.
What to do:
Reflect on your role in recent challenges. Ask for feedback from your leadership team. Be willing to adjust your approach.
Final Thoughts from Journey
Leadership is a privilege and it comes with the responsibility to grow constantly, both professionally and personally. The strongest leaders aren’t perfect; they’re simply self-aware and committed to doing better for their teams.
At Journey Payroll & HR, we’re here to support your leadership journey not just through payroll and compliance, but through the real, human side of managing people. If you’re ready to explore leadership development resources or want a partner in navigating team challenges, we’re just a call or email away.