Why Employees Quit: The Importance of Effective Leadership
Life event
🏢 “People leave managers, not companies”
“People leave managers, not companies” — this is a phrase you often hear in the corporate world. Many times, when someone joins a company, they come with certain expectations: a good salary, interesting work, supportive coworkers, and a healthy work environment. But even when all of these are met, an employee may still end up unhappy. Why? Because of a bad manager.
Now, when I say “bad manager,” I’m not referring to someone who is mean or unpleasant, but rather someone who lacks strong leadership qualities. A manager is a leader. Their job is to guide the team, solve problems, and inspire everyone to achieve their goals. However, not all managers understand the weight of this responsibility.
[Don’t]#Boast about achievements 😶
A good leader does not boast about their own accomplishments. Instead of focusing on their personal success, a leader should share their mistakes and failures, and use those as teaching moments for their team. It’s important for a leader to be humble and approachable, creating a safe space for everyone to learn and grow together. I remember my last manager telling me, “If you want to know about me, just go check my LinkedIn.” While it’s important to highlight achievements, boasting about them can create distance between a leader and their team. A leader should lead by example in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable and supported.
[Don’t]#The Blame Game 👿
As a leader, you cannot point fingers when something goes wrong. A team is a unit, and everyone plays a part in the success or failure of a project. If there is a mistake, it’s a collective mistake, not the fault of just one person. A true leader takes responsibility with the team and works together to find solutions. Blame only creates division and resentment. Instead, focus on learning from the situation and making the team stronger as a whole.
[Don’t]#Disparity within the Team 👊
Favoritism is toxic. A leader should treat everyone equally, without exceptions. If someone makes a mistake, address it with the same level of seriousness for all team members. Favoring certain individuals not only disrupts the team dynamic, but it also damages morale. When people feel like the rules don’t apply to everyone equally, trust breaks down. A strong leader stands firm in their values and holds everyone to the same standard, creating fairness and unity within the team.
[Do]#Appreciation 👏
There’s a common belief that constant appreciation can make someone complacent or lazy. But I disagree. Appreciation fuels motivation. When someone acknowledges the effort I’ve put into my work — no matter how small — I feel energized and ready to take on the next challenge. It’s not about the size of the task; it’s about the recognition of effort. A little praise goes a long way in building morale. It’s a simple way for a leader to show they care about their team’s hard work and are invested in their personal growth.
[Do]#Go hand in hand to solve an issue 👬
A good manager doesn’t just sit back and delegate problems. Instead, they roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team to solve challenges. This is a critical part of leadership. When the team sees their leader actively engaged and committed to solving problems, it creates a sense of unity and trust. It shows that the leader is not just there to supervise but is genuinely invested in the team’s success. Leaders should be right there with their team, figuring out solutions together.
[Do]# Happiness and Prosperity 🌱
Without a good mental state, it’s impossible to perform well. Happiness, peace of mind, and a sense of well-being are just as important as technical skills and knowledge. A great leader prioritizes the mental health of their team. They understand that a positive work environment leads to better outcomes, and they create an atmosphere where people can thrive — not just professionally, but personally as well.
In the end, leadership is about more than just overseeing tasks. It’s about guiding, supporting, and inspiring others. If you want to be a good leader, focus on humility, support, appreciation, fairness, and the well-being of your team. Because when the leadership is strong, the team becomes strong. And when the team is strong, success follows naturally.
If you’re interested in learning more about effective leadership, be sure to check out my article on Dodging the Boss: The Dangers of Micro-Managing. In this piece, I dive into how micromanagement can harm team morale and productivity. Don’t miss it — click here to read more!
https://rajsm139.medium.com/dodging-the-boss-the-dangers-of-micro-managing-9b27dbeef5b9
I write practical guides to simplify coding and cloud adventures — perfect for curious minds. But that’s not all. Here, I also reflect on life’s experiences, sharing stories that inspire & connect us on a deeper level. Let’s learn, grow, and inspire — together! 💡
https://rajsm139.medium.com/dodging-the-boss-the-dangers-of-micro-managing-9b27dbeef5b9
