10. Failing to give proper recognition: Appreciation and recognition are tools in a leader’s arsenal that are powerful motivators and cost nothing. The most basic form of disrespect is not giving proper recognition for a job well done. It is demotivating for the team when a leader holds back well-deserved recognition. 11. Claiming credit that we don’t deserve: It is one thing not to give recognition. However, it is really offensive and demoralizing to take credit for good work done by others. A good leader does exactly the opposite. She gives credit to the team for success and achievement. In the end, the team’s success automatically reflects upon the leaders’ success. 12. Making excuses: Leaders often fall prey to making excuses for their actions and behaviors. If a leader comes late to a meeting and then blames the traffic or the executive assistant, people see right through these excuses. Making excuses erodes trust and respect. Taking responsibility is the cure for this bad habit. 13. Clinging to the past: Blaming people and circumstances from the past for their problems or failure in the present is a bad leadership habit according to Marshall Goldsmith. Often it is fashionable to blame parents or upbringing or environment for our behaviors. But as successful adults, we need to take responsibility for our present actions instead of blaming the past. 14. Playing favorites: Leaders often like people who have a similar background, similar working style, and those who “suck up” to them. This is human nature – birds of a feather stay together! But as a leader, this alienates others who may deliver results but are not the leader’s favorites – because they are not similar or they don’t suck up! Without diversity, inclusion, and belonging – the team will always perform below their potential. 15. Refusing to express regret: If a leader’s behavior or action causes inconvenience or harm to others, the obvious thing to do is to apologize. However, leaders have difficulty doing so. It is human to make mistakes. Not apologizing for accidental or intentional errors causes resentment in others and degrades the brand value of the leader. 16. Not listening: Listening is a key leadership skill. Leaders often climb the ladder due to their technical ability and telling and instructing others what to do. But as a leader, when you have to get work done through others, not listening means a lower level of trust and less commitment from the team members. Not listening conveys that your thoughts and ideas are not important to the leader. It basically says – “you are not important enough for me to listen to you”. 17. Failing to express gratitude: Saying thank you doesn’t cost anything and motivates the team members – leaders often have a difficult time expressing gratitude. An inspiring leader never misses a chance to acknowledge others’ contributions and appreciate them publicly. A person who feels appreciated will do more than what is expected. 18. Punishing the messenger: When someone delivers bad news, leaders get upset and punish the messenger. Eventually, people stop bringing any unpleasant news to the leader. As a leader, you’d want to know of things that aren’t going as per plan, as soon as possible. When a leader punishes the messenger of bad news, she may be the last person on the team to know when things are off track. 19. Passing the buck: Dr. Marshall Goldsmith says that it is fashionable in the Western world to blame, parents, society, upbringing, media, Hollywood, and more for how people turn out! As an adult, and as a leader, we need to take responsibility of our current actions, no matter what happened in the past. When things go wrong, leaders blame other people or circumstances instead of taking responsibility.