Lindsay Harris knows the woes of business ownership and team leadership. A native of the textile town of Danville, Virginia, she boasts 20+ years of corporate and nonprofit experience in a variety of roles, from engineering and business planning to senior leadership and conflict management.

 

“I began to see recurring themes—top-level leaders rarely had safe space to be completely transparent about their challenges. They struggled in silence and suffered personally, which can quickly impact team health.”

So, Lindsay decided to change that.

 

In 2022, she launched Leader Haven, a consultancy designed to help leaders rediscover joy and eliminate team dysfunction.

 

Through Leader Haven, Lindsay provides one-on-one coaching, team workshops, and unique group experiences. As a Positive Intelligence CoachTM, a ThriveHer Passport Business Coach, and a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, her unique approach pinpoints the work that brings you the most joy and fulfillment and tackles the challenges that prevent it. 
 
 When asked about her advice to struggling leaders, Lindsay shared, “The first step is often the hardest. I know this from experience. But commit to taking it. That one step becomes the first of many that will bring you relief and eventually…JOY.”
 
 According to Lindsay, this impact extends beyond the workplace, influencing marriages, parenting, and relationships. Leader Haven cultivates environments where people thrive, leading to optimal results…everywhere.

 

 

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If you're anything like me, you're juggling a million things while trying to run your business, maintain a great culture, and drive performance.

 

But sometimes, it's the sneaky, harmful habits that creep into our leadership and turn those well-intended juggling acts into a house of falling cards. In a space where details matter, it's crucial to identify and combat these tendencies. 
 
 Here are six habits that deserve your attention:

 

We can't expect to grow if we're not willing to see ourselves—warts and all. Your team notices those warts even if you don't. Make a habit of asking for feedback, and even if it stings, absorb it. It not only fuels your personal development but also creates an atmosphere of trust and openness.

 

Your openness to feedback doesn't guarantee that everyone else will feel comfortable giving it. Sometimes the quietest person in the room has the most valuable insights but is too intimidated to speak up. Make your workspace a sanctuary for open dialogue—invite concerns and actively listen. This will solidify trust and build a culture of continuous improvement.

 

Team meetings are great, but they don't replace one-on-one conversations. Checking in individually is like laying bricks for a strong foundation. These conversations can address specific concerns, celebrate wins, and build bonds that create team cohesion. Be mindful—a check-in should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Listen as much (or more) than you talk.

 

When budgets are tight, team-building activities seem like the fluff you can cut. But team building is an investment, not an expense. It breaks down walls and fosters a sense of unity. So, whether it’s a group retreat or just a fun afternoon, make it happen. The ROI on team dynamics will surprise you.

 

Ah, the comfort zone—the place where nothing ever grows. Artificial harmony might make life feel cozy, but it’s a breeding ground for distrust and disengagement. Acknowledge that everything is not always fine and pave the way for healthy conflict and conversations. It’s through these tough discussions that breakthroughs often occur.

 

As a leader, you set the tone. If you brush things under the rug, your team will too. Unaddressed issues become the elephant in the room that everyone tiptoes around, but nobody confronts, creating an undercurrent of tension and inefficiency. Don't be that leader.

 

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Changing any habit—let alone a leadership habit—takes practice, patience, consistency, and accountability. If you're thinking, "Who’s got time for self-improvement when I’m just trying to keep the ship afloat?"—consider a trusted mentor or coach to challenge your thinking and provide an objective perspective.

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But the willingness to dig deep, confront these sneaky habits, and commit to change can transform the leader you are into the leader you aspire to be.