How Senior Leaders Can Break Habits That Limit Their Growth

Even the most accomplished executives can develop habits that quietly undermine their influence. Left unchecked, these patterns—from stifling new ideas to confusing activity with impact—erode trust, slow growth and limit innovation. The good news is that recognizing and correcting these missteps early helps leaders sharpen their effectiveness and foster environments where both people and businesses thrive.

Below, Statice founder Kathy Shanley and members of Forbes Coaches Council share the common pitfalls they see among senior leaders and the practical strategies that can turn them around. Their insights show how small but deliberate shifts—whether in communication, mindset or leadership style—can strengthen relationships and position leaders for long-term success.

Separate Personal Preferences From Official Policy

One bad habit senior leaders often have is confusing their personal preferences with actual policies, like requiring all memos to be written in Times or mandating daily morning check-ins. These may reflect a leader’s style more than a business necessity. Good leaders delegate the task, provide goals and allow flexibility. This builds trust, sparks innovation and shows respect for their team’s expertise. - Kathleen Shanley, Statice