As an Online Business Manager who’s worked with a wide range of businesses and teams, I’ve seen firsthand how well-meaning business owners can unintentionally drive their teams up the wall.
The truth is, it’s often unintentional—but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating for your team. Let’s dive into nine common ways business owners frustrate their teams and, more importantly, how to turn it around.
1. Changing Your Mind (Again and Again)
One of the quickest ways to frustrate your team is to flip-flop on decisions. Every time you change your mind mid-project, it wastes time, energy, and resources. It also means your team is scrambling to redo work, often under tight deadlines.
The Fix: Commit to a clear plan for at least 90 days. If changes must happen, make them the exception, not the rule. “Bright shiny object syndrome” might feel exciting to you, but it’s exhausting for your team.
2. Not Giving Them Time to Get to Know Your Business
Here’s a hard truth: It takes at least 90 days for someone new to really understand your business. During this time, they’ll have questions, need clarification, and make mistakes as they learn.
The Fix: Be patient. Expect a learning curve, and be ready to support them through it. The better they understand your business, the better they’ll be able to deliver results.
3. Expecting Them to Read Your Mind
Crystal-clear communication is the foundation of great teamwork. If you’re vague in your requests or timelines, don’t expect your team to “just figure it out.”
The Fix: Be specific. Clearly outline what you need, the desired outcome, and the deadline. When in doubt, overcommunicate.
4. Demanding Nights and Weekends
Your team likely doesn’t share your work hours, and that’s okay. Expecting weekend turnarounds for non-urgent tasks creates unnecessary stress and resentment.
The Fix: Respect your team’s work-life boundaries. If extra hours are needed during launches or special projects, plan for them in advance so your team can adjust accordingly.
5. Micro-Managing or Under-Managing
Constantly checking in or hovering over your team signals a lack of trust. On the flip side, hiring someone and never delegating meaningful work is equally frustrating.
The Fix: Strike a balance. Set clear expectations and deadlines, then step back and let them do their job.
6. Dropping the Ball on Your Responsibilities
Your team relies on you to provide timely feedback, decisions, or deliverables. When you’re late, it creates a domino effect that impacts everyone’s work.
The Fix: Meet your commitments or communicate delays proactively. Adjust timelines as needed to keep the team aligned.
7. Skipping or Rescheduling Team Meetings
Weekly check-ins are essential for alignment and progress. Cancelling or constantly rescheduling sends the message that your team’s time and work aren’t priorities.
The Fix: Commit to regular team meetings and stick to the schedule. These meetings don’t have to be long, but they’re critical for keeping everyone on the same page.
8. Taking Your Stress Out on the Team
Everyone gets stressed, but venting frustration or snapping at your team—especially publicly—damages trust and morale.
The Fix: Take a breather before addressing sensitive issues. If you lose your cool, own up to it and apologize. Respectful communication goes a long way.
9. Blocking Their Growth
When you value your team, they’ll stay longer and work harder. But if you hold them back from growing or trying new roles, they’ll eventually move on.
The Fix: Understand your team members’ career goals. Look for ways to help them grow within your company, whether that’s offering new responsibilities, training opportunities, or promotions.
Which of These Sound Familiar?
Even the best leaders slip up sometimes—it’s part of being human. But recognizing these behaviors and making small changes can lead to a happier, more productive team.
So, which of these sneaky frustrations do you recognize in yourself? Reply and let’s chat about how to make your team love working with you!
