The 21 Bad Habits That Derail a Leader’s Effectiveness

In Marshall Goldsmith’s work, he identifies the 21 habits of behavior that derail
a leader’s effectiveness and holds them back. These behaviors have to change and adapt
to the level of leadership a person’s career grows into. The 21 bad habits are as follows:

1. Winning too much The need to win at all costs and in all situations.
2. Adding too much value A desire to add two cents to every discussion.
3. Passing judgment The need to evaluate others and impose our standards/values
on them.
4. Making destructive comments Sarcasm and cutting remarks.
5. Starting with “no,” “but,” or “however” The overuse of these negative
qualifiers, which conveys “I’m right. You’re wrong.”
6. Telling the world how smart we are The need to show people we’re smarter than
they think we are.
7. Speaking when angry Using emotional volatility in communications.
8. Negativity (“Let me explain why that won’t work.”) The need to share our
negative thoughts.
9. Withholding information The refusal to share information for an advantage
over others.
10. Failing to give proper recognition The inability to provide praise, rewards,
and compliments.
11. Claiming credit we do not deserve The overestimate of our contribution to
some success.
12. Making excuses The need to excuse annoying behavior as a permanent fixture
so others will excuse us for it.
13. Clinging to the past The need to deflect blame away from ourselves; this is a
subset of blaming everyone else.
14. Playing favorites Failing to see that we treat someone unfairly.
15. Refusing to express regret The inability to take responsibility for our actions.
16. Not listening to The most passive-aggressive form of disrespect for others.
17. Failing to express gratitude The most basic form of bad manners.
18. Punishing the messenger The misguided need to attack the innocent who are
providing information.
19. Passing the buck Blaming everyone but ourselves.
20. An excessive need to be “me” Exalting our faults as virtues simply because they
embody who we are.
21. Refusing to accept any responsibility for needing to change “That’s just the
way I am. Take it or leave it.”

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Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.

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