Presidents’ Day is a time to reflect on George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s leadership—two of the most revered leaders in American history. Their wisdom, integrity, and resilience set high standards for leadership. But what if a modern leader displayed qualities that would make Washington and Lincoln cringe? Here are seven leadership mistakes that can erode trust, stifle innovation, and weaken a team’s effectiveness—along with how to avoid them.
- Lack of Integrity
Example: A CEO of a company publicly preaches ethics and transparency but secretly engages in shady business dealings. When employees find out, morale plummets and trust is shattered.
How to Avoid It: Leaders must align their actions with their words. Washington was renowned for his honesty, famously stating, “I cannot tell a lie.” Be transparent in decision-making, admit mistakes, and always choose ethical paths—even when they are difficult. - Avoiding Difficult Decisions
Example: A department manager refuses to address a toxic team member’s behavior, hoping the problem will resolve itself. Instead, the negativity spreads, affecting productivity and employee retention.
How to Avoid It: Lincoln did not shy away from difficult choices, such as issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Leaders must have the courage to make tough calls for the greater good. Delaying difficult decisions only allows problems to grow worse. - Failing to Communicate a Clear Vision
Example: A project leader provides vague instructions and constantly shifts priorities, leaving the team confused and frustrated.
How to Avoid It: Washington’s ability to rally troops through clear direction was a key factor in his military success. Leaders must articulate a compelling vision, provide clear goals, and ensure everyone understands their role in achieving success. - Micromanaging Instead of Empowering
Example: A business owner insists on reviewing every small task before approving it, slowing progress and frustrating employees who feel undervalued.
How to Avoid It: Lincoln was known for trusting his generals and delegating authority. Leaders should hire competent people, provide guidance, and give them the autonomy to execute their responsibilities. - Ignoring the Importance of Recognition
Example: A supervisor rarely acknowledges employees’ hard work, causing them to feel unappreciated and disengaged.
How to Avoid It: Lincoln often wrote personal letters of gratitude to those who contributed to the war effort. Leaders should recognize and reward contributions regularly to foster motivation and loyalty. - Resisting Change and Innovation
Example: A retail executive dismisses the idea of expanding online sales, believing traditional brick-and-mortar stores will always dominate. Competitors who embrace e-commerce quickly surpass them.
How to Avoid It: Washington and Lincoln both embraced change to overcome adversity. Leaders must stay adaptable, encourage innovation, and be open to new ideas that drive progress. - Failing to Lead by Example
Example: A company executive demands employees follow strict budget guidelines but is seen splurging on extravagant business trips.
How to Avoid It: Washington led his troops from the front, enduring hardships alongside them. Lincoln was known for his humility and relatability. Leaders must model the behavior they expect from their team to earn genuine respect and commitment.
Leadership is about more than authority—it’s about trust, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. By avoiding these seven mistakes, leaders can uphold the values that made Washington and Lincoln legendary figures. This Presidents’ Day, take a moment to reflect: Would you follow this leader? Attend our free webinar “Leadership Strategies for 2025” to receive some free tools to become the type of leader that others want to follow.