10 Leadership Blind Spots That Are Driving Your Team Crazy
The Hidden Reasons Your Team Might Hate Working for You
Do you think your team loves working for you?
Think again.
You walk into the office thinking you’re a great leader. Your team members greet you with a smile.
But they might be rolling their eyes behind your back.
You think you’re leading with authority and vision. You are the decision owner.
But your team could be cringing at every decision you make. Or every decision you fail to make.
The harsh truth is that there’s a good chance they secretly despise you.
Here are ten reasons why.
1. You’re Deaf to Feedback: Why Your Team Won’t Tell You the Truth
"Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say."
— Andy Stanley
When was the last time your team gave you honest feedback? Can’t remember?
That’s a huge red flag.
Silence from your team isn’t a sign that all is well; it’s a sign they’re afraid. They fear backlash, they think you won’t listen, or worse, they believe you’ll ignore them.
Feedback is the lifeblood of a thriving team — it’s how you learn, adapt, and grow. Without it, you’re in the dark, and your team feels invisible and undervalued. This kills motivation and engagement.
So, what are you doing wrong? Maybe you dismiss feedback when it’s offered. Maybe you fail to act on their suggestions, making your team think speaking up is pointless. Or perhaps you’ve fostered a culture where only good news is welcome because any criticism triggers your defensiveness.
The result? A disengaged team that’s mentally checked out and counting the days.
What you need to do:
Actively seek out feedback and show you genuinely want it. Your team can spot fake interest from a mile away.
Listen and act. Don’t just nod — implement changes and let your team know their voices matter. They need to see real action.
Create a culture where feedback isn’t a critique; it’s a growth tool. Integrate it into team meetings, one-on-ones, and more.
Check your ego at the door. Be ready to hear the hard truths without getting defensive. Thank them for their honesty and use it to improve.
Your team wants to trust and respect you, but that starts with you opening the door to real conversation.
2. You’re Taking Them for Granted: How Failing to Recognize Hurts Team Morale
"People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards."
— Dale Carnegie
When was the last time you praised your team’s hard work?
If you can’t remember, that’s a problem.
Team members need to feel valued. Ignoring their achievements crushes morale and kills motivation.
When you fail to recognize their efforts, they start questioning why they bother. Disengagement sets in, productivity drops, and turnover rises.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Good Boss to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.