A DUD leader is notorious for issuing DUD or no directives at all…and then being negative, demeaning, and seemingly dumbfounded that great results were not somehow achieved. Those who are part of the DUD-led team, or those watching from the sidelines, are left shaking their heads and wondering: really…you’re surprised?

If you behave like a DUD, don’t be surprised if you get DUD results. For example:

• You regularly berate employees in front of the entire team. Really…you’re surprised that no one is driven and motivated to succeed? 
• You’re never available to answer questions or discuss problems. Really…you’re surprised the team messed up the objective?
• You resist change of any kind, even when suggestions are made. Really…you’re surprised your team is stuck in a rut and underachieving?
• You play favorites to those who suck-up and stroke your ego. Really…you’re surprised that no one respects you?
• You bend the truth to make yourself look better, even if it hurts others. Really…you’re surprised that half of your staff is looking for another job?
• You demand perfection, and issue harsh reprimands for any sort of failures. Really…you’re surprised that your department is lagging behind in innovations and results?
• You communicate inconsistently and irregularly, with no clear, across-the-board standards and expectations outlined. Really…you’re surprised the team is confused and floundering?
• You publicly take the credit for a job well done, failing to acknowledge the team effort. Really…you’re surprised you’re not well liked?
• You ignore conflict, sweep problems under the rug, and refuse to make decisions and provide direction. Really…you’re surprised the team is dysfunctional and doesn’t work well together?
• You provide only negative feedback, never positive reinforcement or encouraging words. Really…you’re surprised your workers are unenthusiastic and afraid to take a risk?
• You make promises, but rarely follow through. Really…you’re surprised no one trusts you?

It’s vital to be self-aware and evaluate your behaviors and characteristics as a leader. If your team isn’t performing up to par, ask yourself: what can I do differently or what am I NOT doing to effectively lead the group? Remember that a team is only as good as its leader, and vice-versa. If you lead like a DUD, you’re going to get DUD results. Really…you’re surprised???

–Sheri Staak