The 7 pitfalls to avoid as a leader

Avoiding these common mistakes as a leader can help you outperform the competition

Being a CEO is a demanding role that requires sharp decision-making, strategic focus, and the ability to navigate complex challenges in an ever-changing business landscape.

The pressure to perform and deliver results can often lead even the most capable leaders to fall into common pitfalls—such as becoming overly immersed in day-to-day operations, reacting impulsively without full information, or neglecting to seek valuable external perspectives that could broaden their outlook and improve decisions.

This guide outlines seven critical pitfalls that CEOs should avoid, alongside practical, actionable strategies to overcome them effectively. From creating the necessary space for strategic thinking and managing ego to leveraging insights from trusted peer networks, these principles are designed to strengthen your leadership capabilities and drive sustained success for your organisation.

Effective leadership is not about perfection—it’s about cultivating awareness, embracing reflection, and committing to continuous growth and improvement over time.

What you will learn:

  • The 7 biggest mistakes that leaders can make (and how to overcome them).
  • How to take ownership of your leadership, even in uncertain times.
  • Actionable strategies to make space to work on your business.
  • Where to turn for valuable perspectives from other business leaders.
  • Why your ego is limiting your personal growth and how to check it.

About us

Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organisation for small and midsize businesses. For 65+ years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on us to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. Explore membership here