4 attitudes a leader should avoid
Welcome back to the blog, leaders and emerging leaders. In our journey to become more effective, I’ve found that it’s often much more powerful to talk about what not to do rather than simply emphasizing what to do. You see, leadership has far less to do with your position and much more to do with your disposition. It is the foundational mindset that dictates how you approach your role, your team, and the inevitable challenges you face. If you aren't careful, the wrong attitude can act as a silent killer to your influence; it translates directly into your behavior, and as John Maxwell famously noted, the right attitude is what gives a leader that little extra plus.
The first major pitfall we must avoid at all costs is a top-down, domineering attitude. Far too many people enter the corporate or organizational world and blindly adopt an autocratic style without ever questioning it, despite massive evidence that it simply doesn't work. Even Scripture explicitly warns us against this in 1 Peter 5, urging leaders to be shepherds who serve willingly, not lording it over those entrusted to them. When Jesus trained His disciples, He noticed how secular rulers loved to lord power over their followers and flatly declared, "Not so with you." True success requires us to flip the traditional pyramid completely upside down, trading a controlling mindset for a bottom-up, servant leadership model.
Secondly, we must guard against hyper-independence and a negative disposition. While independence is often praised, a me-centered, isolated leader who resists accountability, coaching, and feedback is incredibly dangerous. No one wants to be around a leader who refuses to collaborate. When you couple independence with negativity, it becomes an infectious disease within your organization. Look no further than Numbers 13, where ten negative spies brought back an pessimistic report that infected the entire congregation of Israel, delaying their entry into the Promised Land by 40 years. Your positivity isn't just about creating a feel-good atmosphere; it directly dictates the fruitfulness of your mission.
Finally, we must eradicate self-promoting behavior, an attitude fueled by selfish ambition to advance yourself at all costs. It is deeply jarring to be around someone who is constantly pushing their own brand and reputation over the team's mission. True spiritual leadership is rooted in humility, and Proverbs 27:2 reminds us to let someone else praise you, not your own mouth. As you move forward this week, remember these three truths: your attitude is entirely your choice, your followers will always mirror your disposition, and maintaining a healthy attitude is much easier than trying to regain one after it's lost. Keep leading well, and thank you for learning to lead with me today.