Why thinking you're a good leader could mean you're a terrible one

Advertisement

simon sinek

TED

Author and speaker Simon Sinek.

How can you spot a bad leader before they have the chance to wreak havoc?

Advertisement

Fortunately, there's one tell-tale sign: Terrible leaders tend to boast of their leadership prowess.

TED speaker and "Leaders Eat Last" and "Together is Better" author Simon Sinek recently told Business Insider that the worst leaders often think they're the best ones, and vice versa.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

If and when you think you're a great leader, you likely feel that you have nothing left to learn and may stop trying to improve - and this, in turn, makes you a terrible leader since leadership is a lifelong learning process.

"The best leaders have a sense of humility," Sinek said. "The best leaders tend to think, 'I could do better.' They're students of leadership. They're always trying."

Advertisement

If you're not sure how your skills as a leader stack up, make sure to practice self-awareness. Sinek advises leaders or aspiring leaders to ask themselves questions, critically assess their weaknesses, and read anything and everything that has to do with leadership.

NOW WATCH: After 3 NBA championships, LeBron James shares his best advice on leadership