How to … Lead Without Driving Everyone Mad

Some managers inspire loyalty. Others, despite good intentions, slowly drain morale. This isn’t about tyrants—it’s about the well-meaning but unaware. If your team looks tense every Monday, there’s probably a reason.

Leadership sounds like vision and guidance. But in reality, it often means people grinding their teeth while their boss chips away at morale. Dysfunction doesn’t crash in—it creeps in through habits that quietly wear teams down.

1. Don’t humiliate people in public. It’s not tough love—it’s bullying. Speak privately. Help them improve without turning it into a show.
2. Don’t gossip about someone before speaking to them. It damages trust and spreads problems. Talk directly. Quietly. Like an adult.
3. Don’t set impossible goals and act shocked when people burn out. High standards are fine. Just make sure they’re human. Let people breathe.
4. Don’t take credit for your team’s work. It doesn’t make you look strong—it makes you look insecure. Recognition is fuel. Share it.
5. Don’t change rules on a whim. People need consistency. If something shifts, explain why.
6. Don’t avoid hard conversations. Problems don’t vanish—they rot. Face them with clarity and empathy.
7. Don’t chase wins that wreck the team. Real success lasts. Build something people want to stay in.

Idea for Impact: Leadership isn’t about noise. It’s about steadiness, respect, and getting the few basics right.