Challenging the myths that some leaders still hold as truths

Research across industries and conducted over decades tells us that 60%-75% of employees report that their immediate boss was the most stressful part of their job. In a nutshell, that is why the quality of your leaders is so important.  

There are a lot of myths, universal truths and old ways of thinking about leadership that could be preventing your leaders from moving with the times and growing into the leaders that the world needs.  

Myth 1: Leaders Are Born, Not Made: While some people might have natural leadership qualities, leadership is a skill that can be both learned and developed. Effective leadership is borne out of self-awareness, experience and continuous growth.

Myth 2: Leaders Know Everything: No leader has all the knowledge, expertise or answers. Effective leaders value input from their team, seek advice, and are willing to learn and adapt.

Myth 3: Leaders Must Be Authoritative and Dominant: Authoritarian leadership is just one style among many. Effective leaders often use a variety of leadership styles, and adapt depending on the situation and the needs of their team. 

Myth 4: Leadership is Only for Those in High Positions: No, leadership can be practiced at all levels of an organisation. Leading by example, being a team player, and influencing others are all forms of leadership, not limited to top positions.

Myth 5: Leaders Must Be Extroverted and Charismatic: Introverts and individuals with quieter personalities can make excellent leaders. Leadership is more about effective communication, empathy and decision-making, not just charisma.

Myth 6: Leadership is About Controlling People: Er no, leadership is about guiding, motivating, and empowering people, not controlling them. Effective leaders trust their team and encourage autonomy.

Myth 7: Leaders Don’t Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes, including leaders. The key is to acknowledge them and learn from them, demonstrating resilience and accountability.

Myth 8: Leadership is a Solo Act: Leaders stand on the shoulders of giants and effective leadership often involves collaboration and teamwork. Leaders who involve others in decision-making and delegate responsibilities tend to be more successful.

Myth 9: Leadership Can’t Be Taught: Not true.  Leadership can be developed through training, mentorship and self-improvement. Many successful leaders have undergone leadership development programs.

Myth 10: Leaders Are Always Confident and Unwavering: Confidence is essential, but effective leaders also acknowledge their uncertainties and seek input from others. Showing vulnerability builds trust and demonstrates authenticity.

Myth 11: Leadership is About Achieving Personal Glory: True leadership is about serving others and achieving collective goals. It’s not about personal recognition, but rather the success and well-being of the team or organisation.

Myth 12: Leadership Can’t Be Measured or Evaluated: On the contrary, good leadership can be assessed through feedback, performance evaluations, and objective metrics such as staff turnover, team performance.

Dispelling these leadership myths can lead to a more inclusive and effective approach to leadership that focuses on growth, collaboration, and the betterment of individuals and organizations.

Which ones do you need to move on from in your organisation before more employees head out of the door?  

I’d love to know what other myths you see around.  Please comment or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.

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I’d love to know what other myths you see around.  Please comment or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.