Most Leaders Are Failing! Are You Guilty of This One Critical Mistake?

The truth about leadership isn’t about power or control—it’s about inclusion, perspective, and impact.

Author

Glenda Carnate
November 22, 2025

Read time: 2.5 minutes

Leadership isn’t just about what it says on your business card. If you only respect people who remind you of yourself, you lose trust... and pretty fast.

There’s this exec I know who told me about their team. Tons of creative ideas were flying around, but guess what?? Only the familiar voices ever got a nod. And over time, people with fresh perspectives stopped speaking up. Innovation dried up, folks tuned out, and trust slipped away.

So, what’s the real lesson? Leadership isn’t about puffing up your ego or sticking with people who make you comfortable. It’s about actually listening, valuing differences, and letting everyone have a real shot to contribute.

How do you lead outside your comfort zone?

  1. Take a real look at your habits. Who are you raising up, bringing into the room, or actually listening to? Are you just hanging out with the same group every time?

  2. Make inclusion part of the way you work. Switch up who leads projects, try anonymous brainstorming, or set up panels with people from different teams. Change the routine so more people get a chance to speak up.

  3. Question your own blind spots. Pause and think—who did you miss today? Did you pick what felt easy instead of what really adds value?

  4. Mentor someone outside your usual circle. Reach out to people with different backgrounds. Give them solid chances to grow.

  5. Straight up ask your team if they feel safe and included. Leading isn’t just about hitting goals. It’s about making sure everyone knows their ideas count.

  6. Keep curiosity alive and welcome tough questions. Cheer for the people who challenge the usual way of doing things or bring new ideas. Inclusion grows when you reward folks for seeing things differently.

💡Key Takeaway: 

Leadership is not about putting yourself first. Being an inclusive leader means respecting differences, listening carefully, and making a positive impact on others. This helps leaders inspire, innovate, and succeed in the long run.

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