The secret to success will probably always be somewhat of a mystery, just as the questions will always be asked – why do leaders fail?

Ask any successful entrepreneur how he or she got to where they are today, and they’ll likely tell you with plenty of hard work, an experienced mentor and a dash of good luck sprinkled in along the way. But what about those leaders who never managed to reach their goals despite all of the hard work that they put in? What about those leaders who had plenty of guidance but still never managed to succeed?

Below, we take a look at the main reasons why leaders and entrepreneurs may fail despite their limitless potential, great ideas and dedication.

They Forget about What’s Most Important

For so many, the dream quickly starts to become less important than making a profit, and when you lose sight of your dream, you also lose sight of why you’re doing what you’re doing. Often, when this happens, you forget about your customer and his / her needs and start thinking more about your own.

Remember, a customer-centric business is imperative if you are to grow and attain success in the future.

They Aren’t Flexible Enough

Sometimes, leaders and entrepreneurs cannot see past their original vision and expectations. However, a contingency plan or two is essential if you are to succeed despite any complications that may arise along your journey.

Some leaders fail because they give up the moment things don’t follow the course that they intended them to – they simply don’t have the flexibility to change course.

They Allow Themselves to Be Victims to Circumstance

Life has a habit of throwing plenty of curveballs, and often when you least expect to encounter a new bump in the road. Don’t let these challenges cause you to lose faith in yourself or your mission. Don’t allow yourself to become a victim of circumstance!

Use the resilience that you have built up, as well as your problem-solving skills, to power through those uncertain times. Better times do lie ahead – promise!

One of the best ways in which to ensure a better chance of success is finding a mentor to guide you along the way. The SA Teen Entrepreneur team can help! Join us as a Teen Entrepreneur today to learn more about just how you can get your school involved to raise funds for an entrepreneurial society at your school.