One quick pass through the business section of a bookstore will show just how much there is to say about leadership. You could spend months – even years – reading books, articles and blogs about becoming an effective leader. And if you’re serious about leading your company, it’s worth developing your leadership skills.

Looking to others for advice and guidance can save you from making some serious snafus. Leading is tough stuff, especially if you’ve been thrust into the role with little preparation.

We came across this video, “The Biggest Mistake a Leader Can Make,” from the Harvard Business Review with some excellent points from various professors. They point out leader mistakes like betraying trust; putting self-interest over the interests of the organization; not being authentic and consistent; being arrogant; and not living up to values.

Harvard Business Review has an entire blog series on “Imagining the Future of Leadership.” You might want to bookmark that site for inspiration and ideas. A good leader is one who is willing to learn, eager to make self-improvements and not above admitting his or her shortcomings and desiring to rise above those.

What is the biggest mistake a leader can make? As a leader, have you made mistakes? Have you worked for leaders who made mistakes and how did it impact you as an employee?