Leadership Failures Revealed: How the SECURE Framework Can Help You Keep Your People

Leadership plays a defining role in employee retention and workplace culture. When leadership fails, it isn’t just about missed targets or poor communication—it creates environments where people feel undervalued, unsupported, and ultimately driven to leave. In today's hyper-competitive job market, leaders aren’t just managing—they’re fighting to keep their people.

We surveyed 100 individuals to uncover the real reasons employees quit their jobs, and the results were revealing: many leaders, whether newly promoted or leading for years, are falling short of giving their teams what they need to succeed. The problem isn't just about managing tasks—it's about creating environments where employees feel safe, valued, and empowered. This is where leadership fails most.

According to neuroscientist Evan Gordon’s research, the brain constantly scans the environment, unconsciously asking, “Is it safe here? Or is it dangerous?” When employees feel safe, their brain operates at a higher level—allowing them to engage deeply, think more creatively, and assume positive intent from those around them. But when employees sense danger—whether it’s a lack of trust, recognition, or fairness—they mentally back away, disengaging from their work.

The SECURE Framework provides a blueprint for creating this safe environment by addressing the six essential elements that employees need to stay engaged and committed.

Key Findings: Leadership Failures and How SECURE Can Help

1. Lack of Empathy and Support

   
   

   Empathy is a fundamental part of leadership, yet many employees feel their leaders don't care. Several respondents shared stories of being dismissed when they needed support:

   
   

“I have asthma, and there was mold in the building. I told my manager I wasn’t feeling well because of it, and he told me to just spray bleach on it. I quit shortly after.”

“When my mother passed away, my supervisor expected me to find my own replacement to cover my job while I was out. When I returned, they didn’t even review the bereavement policy properly, and my paycheck was docked. It was completely insensitive.”

SECURE Element: Certainty through CARE

Leaders who show genuine care create environments where employees feel supported, not dismissed. By addressing employees’ individual needs, leaders foster a sense of trust and safety, which is key to retaining them.

2. Inconsistent or Poor Communication

Communication is the backbone of leadership, but many employees feel left in the dark or, worse, that leaders shift responsibility. One employee noted:

“If something went well, it was a team effort. But if things went wrong, it was my fault as the teacher. I never knew where I stood with my principal.”

Another shared:“My supervisor avoided all communication with me throughout the year. I was isolated and left with no feedback on how to improve.”

SECURE Element: Respectful Relationships and Certainty through CARE

Clear, consistent communication fosters trust and stability. Leaders must ensure their message is clear, honest, and understood by everyone on the team. When employees feel that communication is transparent, they are more engaged and confident in their roles.

3. Micromanagement and Lack of Trust

Micromanagement sends a clear signal to employees: I don’t trust you. One respondent explained:

“My boss second-guessed every decision I made. It felt like nothing I did was ever good enough.”

Another shared: “My supervisor would require me to stop by her office at the end of every day. I felt hounded and couldn’t perform freely.”

SECURE Element: Empowerment

Empowerment is about trusting employees to do their jobs. When leaders micromanage, they strip away employees' confidence and autonomy. Empowering team members by trusting them with responsibility leads to higher engagement and ownership of their work.

4. Failure to Value Employees

Many employees shared experiences of feeling undervalued. One respondent noted:

“I worked long hours and did my best, but my boss only pointed out what I did wrong.”

Another added: “I asked for more responsibility for years, but nothing changed. My supervisor eventually promoted three others who had less experience. It was a slap in the face.”

SECURE Element: Status and Recognition

Employees want to feel valued and recognized for their contributions. Regular recognition and clear pathways for growth ensure employees feel their efforts are seen and rewarded, making them more likely to stay engaged.

5. Unprofessional and Hostile Behavior

Hostile environments destroy team morale and engagement. One employee shared:

“My supervisor publicly criticized my work in front of my peers. I felt humiliated and stopped contributing in meetings.”

Another noted:“ I was belittled daily by my boss. She made sarcastic remarks about my performance and embarrassed me in front of others.”

SECURE Element: Respectful Relationships

Respect between leaders and employees is foundational to a safe work environment. Leaders who foster respectful relationships create spaces where employees feel valued, not humiliated. This is key to retaining top talent.

6. Control and Authoritarian Leadership

Authoritarian leadership emerged as a major issue in our survey. One employee shared:

“I was told I couldn’t wear certain clothes, and my supervisor tugged on my clothing in front of others to make the point. It was demeaning.”

Another noted: “My boss told me that I shouldn’t bother filing a grievance because she ‘knew everyone at the top,’ implying nothing would happen.”

SECURE Element: Unity and Empowerment

Authoritarian leadership strips employees of their dignity and autonomy. Leaders who involve their team in decision-making and promote a collaborative environment are more likely to retain their people. Empowerment and unity create a sense of belonging and trust.

SECURE Your Leadership and Keep Your People

Leaders are the gatekeepers of retention. When employees feel safe, valued, and empowered, they stay—and they thrive. However, as the stories shared in this article illustrate, many leaders are falling short of providing what their teams need. The SECURE Framework addresses these core needs, giving leaders the tools to create environments where their people can succeed.

It’s time to transform your leadership approach. By applying the SECURE Framework, you can give your employees the support, recognition, and trust they need to feel safe—and stay committed to your organization.

Visit theleadershipperspective.com, email miyoshiknox@leadershipperspective.com or call 815-293-7637 to take the SECURE Assessment today. Start planning how to build on your strengths and avoid the leadership pitfalls that drive people away. Let’s work together to create a team that stays and thrives under your leadership.

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