Running a small team feels a lot like steering a small boat: even minor missteps send you noticeably off course. If you’re leading a handful of employees, every decision—and every mistake—has an outsized impact. But here’s the good news: by spotting these common pitfalls early, you can easily avoid them and keep your team moving smoothly toward your vision.
Why Small Teams Feel Every Bump
In small teams, every person’s contribution matters deeply. Imagine piloting an airplane—your business—through stormy skies. Donald Miller compares leadership to sitting in the cockpit. Your primary responsibility as the leader is to set clear coordinates, determining exactly where you’re headed and keeping your team on course. Without clarity, your team feels like passengers circling aimlessly, unsure of their destination or why it matters.
Each individual plays a critical role, magnifying both successes and mistakes. It’s less like steering a massive cruise ship, which barely registers small deviations, and more like navigating a sailboat, where even slight miscalculations have immediate consequences.
Let’s explore the four most common leadership pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Pitfall #1: Wearing Too Many Hats
Most business owners begin their journey doing everything themselves—sales, customer service, accounting, even janitorial duties. But as your team grows, one role becomes more important than any other: your role as a leader.
Yet, many leaders stay trapped in day-to-day operational tasks. Imagine a pilot leaving the cockpit to serve coffee—the plane inevitably veers off course. Every minute you spend buried in routine tasks is a minute not spent steering your business strategically.
How to Dodge It:
Consciously shift your focus toward tasks only you can perform—those that move your business closer to its larger vision. Block out at least two “cockpit hours” per week dedicated exclusively to strategy and vision-casting.
Pitfall #2: Under‑Communicating Vision
Leaders often assume their tight-knit team instinctively understands their vision. But clarity leaks. Without continuous reinforcement, team members drift away from your mission, becoming unsure of how their daily tasks matter.
How to Dodge It:
John Maxwell famously says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Make your vision simple and repeatable. Regularly remind your team where you’re heading and why it matters. Here’s a quick test: If your team can’t easily recite your mission and clearly explain how their roles connect to it, it’s time to communicate more often. Aim to craft a concise, one-sentence mission statement that everyone can easily memorize.
Pitfall #3: Not Delegating
It’s tempting to believe you’re the only one who can handle certain tasks correctly. However, refusing to delegate not only overloads you but also stunts your team’s growth and motivation.
Effective leaders trust their teams and delegate tasks strategically. Delegating frees you to concentrate on your primary responsibility—guiding the business—while empowering team members to grow their skills.
How to Dodge It:
Start small. List three tasks you’re currently holding onto that others could do effectively. Assign these tasks to capable team members this month, clearly outlining expectations. Trust your team, guide them when needed, and watch them thrive. Remember, the confidence you place in your team often comes back to you in the form of loyalty, improved performance, and fresh ideas.
Pitfall #4: Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Small teams can feel like family, making it tempting to sidestep uncomfortable conversations. Whether it’s addressing underperformance, misalignment, or interpersonal conflicts, ignoring tough issues never makes them disappear—it amplifies them.
Effective leadership requires courage. Openly addressing difficult topics not only resolves issues promptly but also builds a culture of trust and accountability.
How to Dodge It:
Schedule a one-on-one conversation to tackle one simmering issue by this Friday. Keep your approach kind, clear, and direct. You might start with something like, “I’ve noticed a challenge and I’d like your thoughts on how we can improve together.” Facing these conversations head-on sets a powerful example and builds a healthy team environment.
Putting It All Together
Navigating leadership in a small team isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity, consistency, courage, and commitment. Continually clarify your vision, delegate strategically, communicate openly, and embrace the tough conversations. These habits not only help you avoid costly pitfalls but set your team up for sustained success.
Here’s your quick-reference action plan:
- Block two “cockpit hours” each week exclusively for strategic thinking.
- Create a simple, memorable mission statement your team can easily recall.
- Identify three tasks you’ll delegate immediately, assigning clear ownership.
- Schedule a direct conversation this week to address an existing issue.
- Set quarterly reminders to revisit these four common pitfalls.
Contact us today or download the free “Leadership Pitfall Checklist” and watch the full lesson to keep your team on course.
