Ask the expert: What are common mistakes respected and trusted leaders avoid?

Once leader has earned the respect and trust of colleagues and coworkers, he or she should take care to preserve that respect and trust. Specially avoid the following five common mistakes:

• Don't be too aggressive. Good leaders do not attempt to impose their will on people.
• Don't ignore organizational lines of communication. If a leader chooses to ignore lines of communication he or she will have little influence as an organizational leader.
• Don't be secretive. Leaders who are not trusted cannot lead effectively.
• Don't ignore the importance of knowing, which hat to wear in which circumstance. Actions must reflect an interest in organizational integrity rather than advancing personal interests.
• Don't chair a meeting without preparing ahead of time. Meetings that start late, run long, accomplish little, and wastes everyone's time.