Avoiding Problems As A Leader Is An Easy Trap to Fall Into
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” — Abraham Lincoln
Leadership comes with its share of perks: more autonomy, broader influence, and the power to shape the direction of your team or organization. However, with this power also comes the temptation to sidestep the less appealing aspects of the job. Whether it’s avoiding tough conversations, overlooking brewing conflicts, or dodging the responsibility of delivering difficult feedback, leaders often find themselves falling into what can be termed "The Avoidance Trap." While it might feel like a harmless way to lighten your load, this behavior can have serious consequences for both you and your team.
The Avoidance Trap: A Shortcut with a Steep Cost
It’s easy to justify handing off the less desirable tasks. After all, isn’t delegation a key skill for any leader? However, there’s a fine line between effective delegation and avoiding your duties. The Avoidance Trap occurs when you begin to offload or outright ignore tasks that are crucial to your role simply because they are uncomfortable.
We all face this, and it can be easy to allow it to happen. Delegating difficult tasks almost seems like the right thing to do sometimes. That is why it is called a trap. It seems simple and non-consequential at the time, then the reality hits.
Why is this a problem? On the surface, it might seem that dodging these tasks frees you up to focus on more strategic or high-impact activities. But in reality, avoidance dulls your ability to handle the challenges that come with leadership. Just like any skill, the emotional resilience needed to manage discomfort, deal with conflict, and engage with opposing viewpoints requires regular exercise. When these muscles aren’t used, they get weaker, making it increasingly difficult for you to step up when the situation demands it.
When leaders consistently avoid the tough parts of their job, it sends a damaging message to the team: that accountability is optional. We have likely all witnessed this as well. Others can see the deficiencies of other team members or situations that are not improving. We then often wonder, why isn’t someone (namely our leader) not doing something about this. This perception can erode trust, not just in you as a leader but in the organization as a whole. A team that sees its leader avoiding responsibility is likely to mirror that behavior, leading to a culture of disengagement and poor performance.
The Multiplying Effect of Avoidance
Avoidance doesn’t just affect your personal growth, it impacts the entire team dynamic. When leaders steer clear of difficult tasks, issues that could have been addressed quickly are allowed to fester. For example, a conflict left unaddressed can grow into a full-blown crisis, harming relationships and productivity. Similarly, avoiding giving critical feedback deprives your team of the guidance they need to improve and develop in their roles.
Over time, these small acts of avoidance accumulate, leading to larger problems. Your team may begin to lose respect for your leadership, and their engagement may wane as they see that important issues are not being tackled. This can lead to a toxic work environment where problems are swept under the rug, innovation is stifled, and morale declines significantly.
Turning Towards Challenges: Practical Steps to Avoid the Trap
So, how can you avoid falling into The Avoidance Trap and ensure that you’re tackling the challenges of leadership head-on? Here are some strategies that can help:
Embrace Your Role’s Responsibilities
The first step is to regularly remind yourself of the core duties of your role. Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions or setting the vision; it’s also about managing the day-to-day realities, even when they’re uncomfortable. Ask yourself: What does my role require of me? Is it my job to address this issue? Am I avoiding something simply because it’s unpleasant? By confronting these questions, you can realign yourself with the full scope of your responsibilities.
Consider the Costs of Inaction
Avoidance might bring short-term relief, but it often comes with long-term costs. When you’re tempted to sidestep a difficult task, consider the broader impact. Ask yourself: What are the potential consequences of not addressing this issue? How might my inaction affect my team, the company, or even my own development? Recognizing the ripple effects of avoidance can motivate you to take action, even when it’s tough.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” — Dale Carnegie
Shift Your Mindset on Stress
How you perceive stress can significantly influence your willingness to tackle difficult tasks. Instead of viewing stress as debilitating, try to see it as a challenge that can enhance your capabilities. Research suggests that adopting a “stress-is-enhancing” mindset can help you approach challenges with more resilience and optimism. By reframing stress as an opportunity for growth, you’ll be more inclined to face the unpleasant aspects of your role head-on.
Identify and Address Your Weak Spots
We tend to avoid tasks we feel less competent at handling. To overcome this, take stock of the responsibilities you’ve been avoiding. Make a list of the tasks that make you uncomfortable or that you tend to procrastinate on. Once you’ve identified these areas, consider seeking out a mentor or coach who can help you build the necessary skills. This helps you tackle your weak spots and ensures you’re growing as a leader. Having someone to hold you accountable can make a significant difference in overcoming avoidance.
The true test of leadership isn’t just in making the big decisions or driving the strategic vision, it’s in how you handle the less exciting, but equally important, aspects of the role. The Avoidance Trap is a subtle but powerful force that can erode your effectiveness as a leader if left unchecked. By embracing the full scope of your responsibilities, considering the costs of inaction, shifting your mindset on stress, and addressing your weak spots, you can ensure that you’re leading with integrity and accountability.
Remember, leadership is about setting the example. When you face challenges directly, you empower your team to do the same. This not only builds trust and respect but also creates a culture where problems are addressed, solutions are found, and everyone is engaged in the shared mission. Don’t let avoidance undercut your leadership; turn towards the challenges, and you’ll find that both you and your team will emerge stronger for it.
Are there tasks or situations you have avoided in the past? How will you correct for that in the future?
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