Chartered Manager & Management Mentor
Tel: 0203 576 0081/07709 115948 | Email: info@davidlissah.co.uk
WELCOME,
My Journey to Specialising in Leadership Risk Factors
Over the past 30 years, my career has taken me on a remarkable journey, from working on the shop floor in the early ’90s to holding senior leadership roles in diverse environments. I know first-hand the challenges managers face, from imposter syndrome to balancing tasks with authentic leadership. I’ve led teams of up to 132 personnel, managed operational budgets of up to £10.5 million, and played significant roles, delivering projects ranging from minor works to major capital schemes of approximately £150 million.
These experiences have given me first hand knowledge into the complexities of leadership, its challenges, and its profound impact on organisations and individuals. Managers manage things, but lead people. Yet leadership risks like miscommunication, poor decision-making, or lack of accountability are often the silent saboteurs of business success. Left unchecked, these risks can escalate into significant challenges, including financial losses, employee disengagement, loss of top talent or even reputational damage.
David Lissah
CMgr CMI, MIIRSM
WANT TO CONNECT?
Email me at: david@davidlissah.co.uk
Tel: 0203 576 0081/07709 115948
or get in touch using the form below.
Why Leadership Risk Factors?
When we think of risk, we often focus on those associated with physical tasks or activities that have the potential to cause harm to people, assets, or property. But what about the risks we don't see? The ones that lie in plain sight within our leadership practices?
One of the most overlooked yet significant risks businesses face is leadership risk factors—their ripple effects can be profound. Disengaged staff, for example, don’t just impact productivity; they can erode morale, damage team dynamics, and ultimately hurt the organisation's overall performance. And in many cases, disengagement can also directly contribute to accidents and incidents, creating safety risks that are often neglected until it's too late.
Leadership is often viewed as being at the core of business success, but over the years, I’ve come to see that the real story lies in the risks inherent in leadership............risks that, when unmanaged, can derail even the most promising business ventures. Conversely, when these risks are addressed, they become powerful opportunities for growth, resilience, and innovation.
My focus on leadership risk factors stems from my conviction that they represent the tipping point between organisational stagnation and thriving success.Leadership risks often manifest in six critical areas: communication, decision-making, accountability, consistency, adaptability and emotional intelligence (EQ). These pillars are the foundation upon which any high-performing team or organisation is built. However, they are also the areas most prone to cracks under pressure, especially when left unchecked.
What I’ve Learned About Leadership Over Three Decades
1. Communication is the Lifeblood of Leadership
Early in my career, I learned that communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s about listening, understanding, and ensuring alignment across teams. A breakdown in communication leads to misunderstandings, reduced morale, and missed opportunities. Great leaders don’t just talk—they create environments where open dialogue thrives.
2. Decision-Making Defines Outcomes
Every decision a leader makes—or avoids making—ripples through an organisation. I’ve witnessed the paralysis that can set in when decisions are delayed or poorly communicated. Conversely, clear, well-informed decision-making builds trust and momentum, even when the path forward is uncertain.
3. Accountability Drives Performance
Accountability isn’t about blame; it’s about ownership. I’ve learned that leaders who foster a culture of accountability create teams that take pride in their work and strive for excellence. Without accountability, organisations become mired in inefficiency and finger-pointing.
4. Consistency Builds Trust
Consistency in actions, expectations, and messaging is what allows leaders to build trust over time. Inconsistent leadership breeds confusion and instability, while a consistent approach reassures teams and creates a sense of purpose.
5. Adaptability Shapes Resilient Leadership
Over time, I've come to understand that leadership requires flexibility. No two situations are the same, and the best leaders are those who can pivot when needed, embrace change, and lead their teams through uncertainty. Adaptability ensures that teams can weather challenges and remain focused on the bigger picture, no matter the circumstances.
6. Emotional Intelligence Connects Teams
Leadership is not just about managing tasks, but also understanding people. Developing emotional intelligence has been one of the most crucial lessons of my career. By recognizing the emotions and motivations of others, leaders can build stronger, more cohesive teams and create a workplace culture where individuals feel valued and understood.
It’s through these lessons that I created the six pillars of Leadership Risk Factors—Communication, Decision-making, Accountability, Consistency, Adaptability and Emotional Intelligence. These six factors are the foundation of effective leadership and are designed to help leaders navigate complex environments, make informed choices, and build resilient teams. By understanding and implementing these principles, leaders can not only minimise risk but also foster an environment where people thrive, teams succeed, and businesses grow.
Why Leadership Risk Factors Matter Today
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world of tech and remote work, businesses face unprecedented challenges, including economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and an ever-increasing demand for work flexibility. Amid this complexity, the role of leadership is more critical than ever.
Leadership risk factors, when unmanaged, can lead to:
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High employee turnover and burnout
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Loss of competitive advantage
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Poor decision-making and missed opportunities
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Erosion of trust and team morale
But when these risks are identified and addressed, the benefits are transformative:
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Teams become more engaged, resilient, and innovative
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Communication improves, fostering collaboration and creativity
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Accountability and consistency create a culture of high performance
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Decision-making becomes more agile and effective
What This Means for Businesses
Unchecked leadership risk factors are like cracks in a foundation; they may go unnoticed at first, but over time, they undermine the entire structure. Addressing these risks requires intentional effort, but the payoff is substantial.
By strengthening the pillars of communication, decision-making, accountability, and consistency, businesses can create environments where teams thrive, challenges are met with confidence, and long-term growth becomes achievable.
As someone who has spent decades navigating the complexities of leadership, I am passionate about helping businesses identify and mitigate these risks. Through mentoring, workshops, and tailored support, I aim to empower businesses to turn risks into opportunities and achieve sustainable success.
Leadership isn’t just about guiding a team; it’s about creating an environment where people and organisations can flourish. By focusing on the often-overlooked risks in leadership, we can unlock the true potential of businesses and the people who drive them. My journey has shown me the immense value of addressing these risks head-on, and I’m committed to sharing this insight with others who aspire to lead with impact.