Why 40% of Leaders Fail (and How Not to be One of Them)

Did you know 40% of new leaders fail in the first 18 months of their job? 40%!

According to research by a leadership development firm in Pennsylvania, four in ten leaders don’t make it to the two-year mark.

This begs a pressing question: why? Why do nearly half of these promising leaders stumble at the very start?

The startling fact is not just a mere statistic; it’s a call to action. It’s a sobering reminder that leadership is more than just a title; it’s a dynamic, multifaceted challenge that demands continuous growth, adaptability, and unwavering resilience.

So, we’re going to look at why those 40% fail so quickly and what you can do to make sure you aren’t one of them.

First, I’m Lauren, your strategist for new leaders. I’ve worked with leaders and teams for over 15 years and now I’m here to help you with effective communication as a leader.

The Communication Conundrum

The biggest reason new leaders fail?

Communication, or lack thereof, to be more precise.

Effective communication is the backbone of good leadership. Without it, leaders will never get themselves or their teams anywhere.

Communication is key for building culture, enabling teamwork, providing clarity, and having the political savvy to navigate confusing organizational dynamics.

Effective Communication as a New Leader

First, let’s dig into why poor communication skills are such a stumbling block for new leaders.

Picture this: You’ve just been promoted to a leadership position. You’re excited, motivated, and ready to make a positive impact. However, the reality of leadership can be a bit overwhelming. You’re suddenly responsible for not just your own work but the success of an entire team. This means you’re in constant contact with a diverse group of people, each with their own personalities, work styles, and expectations.

Now, if your communication skills aren’t up to par, here’s what happens:

Ineffective communication often leads to misunderstandings. Your team might not fully grasp your vision, instructions, or expectations, which can result in missed deadlines, errors, and frustration all around. But as a leader, you need to be crystal clear to avoid confusion.

I was working with a client, Natalie. She was a new product marketing manager and excited to start working with her team.

But Natalie really struggled with articulating her plan and vision for the team. She thought the team could just read her mind and figure it out for themselves; she didn’t want to be a micromanager. But she stepped back a little too far and the team felt rudderless.

Poor communication can create a sense of uncertainty and insecurity among your team members. They may not know where they stand, what’s expected of them, or how they’re performing. This lack of feedback and clarity can lead to low morale, disengagement, and a lack of trust.

And trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership. If your team members don’t trust your ability to communicate, they won’t trust your leadership either. Trust is essential for team cohesion and achieving your collective goals.

Good communication is not just about avoiding problems; it’s also about seizing opportunities. Effective leaders use their communication skills to inspire, motivate, and guide their team towards new achievements. Poor communication can hinder your ability to rally your team toward a shared vision, like Natalie.

We’re going to start somewhere unexpected: active listening. It’s one of the most overlooked aspects of communication.

Active listening serves as a cornerstone of effective leadership communication. It’s a skill that goes beyond merely hearing words. Not only does it involves a deeper level of engagement, it also fosters understanding and trust.

When leaders actively listen to their team members, they convey the message that everyone’s thoughts and opinions are valued, thus building trust and rapport. This skill enables leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of what’s being communicated, including the emotions, concerns, and unspoken messages beneath the words.

It’s not just about waiting for your turn to speak but truly understanding what your team members, colleagues, or even your superiors are saying. Ask questions, show empathy, and take the time to process what you’ve heard before responding. Active listening not only fosters trust but also leads to better decision-making.

Next, focus on creating clarity in your messaging. Clear and concise communication is the name of the game. Avoid jargon and buzzwords.

Speak in a way that everyone can understand, and make sure your message is consistent across different platforms. The clearer you are, the easier it is for your team to follow your lead.

To help Natalie overcome her lack of communication, I taught her how to strike that delicate balance between providing clear expectations and allowing her team to excel.

I emphasized the importance of setting a clear vision and goals while empowering team members to make decisions about how to accomplish those goals and take ownership of the work. She was able to learn the difference between providing clear direction and over-managing her team.

Tailoring Communication to your Audience

Leadership is about being adaptable, not just in your communication. As a new leader, you’ll encounter a wide variety of people, from team members to fellow leaders to executives, and everyone will have unique communication preferences and needs.

Additionally, being adaptable allows you to tailor your communication style to suit different individuals, fostering better understanding and trust. Effective communication a leader includes adaptability, which enables you to adjust your messaging for various situations, whether it’s addressing a challenging issue or inspiring your team toward a shared goal.

Tailor your communication style to your audience. Some may prefer emails; others prefer face-to-face conversations. The ability to adjust your approach to suit the needs of your audience is crucial.

And you should not only consider your audience; you also need to consider the circumstances. You, as a new leader, need to recognize that not all situations require the same type or style of communication.

You wouldn’t give your boss the same level of detail or specifics you’d give your team, for example. Or an even higher-up executive might need the information framed differently to be able to make the connections to how they view the company. For example, how does this project impact the larger initiatives of the organization?

If you’re struggling with being effective in your communication, use this link to apply for a free discovery call for my Leading with Confidence Blueprint Program. I can help you develop your communication muscles and become a more confident leader.H

Effective Feedback Communication as a Leader

Lastly, learn how to provide constructive feedback. Providing feedback can be challenging and awkward, but it’s essential for growth.

If you don’t give your team feedback, you’re depriving them of the option to learn and grow. Feedback teaches them where they should focus on improvement and where their strengths are. Without it, team members may be confused, thinking they’re doing well when they’re really not, or even the opposite—thinking they’re terrible when they’re excelling!

Additionally, the absence of feedback can lead to uncertainty and frustration, eroding trust and engagement within the team. It’s through constructive feedback that leaders can inspire, motivate, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Simply put, when new leaders don’t give feedback, they’re missing a chance to help their team get better, making it harder for everyone to learn and grow, and they’re not setting a strong example for good leadership.

In Conclusion

Remember, feedback isn’t criticism; it’s an opportunity for improvement. Be specific, highlight what’s working, and suggest solutions. This not only helps your team members grow but also strengthens your relationship with them.

If you want more help communicating as a leader, check out my video “Effective Communication for New Leaders” next! Talk to you again soon!