Navigating the myths of leadership

In this article, we explore the true essence of great leadership, debunking commonly held myths and highlighting the importance of continuous training, embracing diversity, and fostering transparent communication

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Vistage

Good leadership requires consistent training and development. While some people fall into leadership roles more naturally, no one is born ready to be a CEO. In this article, we look at some of the myths around leadership and how expectations of the role and its reality can be very different!

Leaders can’t make mistakes

One common leadership misconception is the belief that leaders must be flawless decision-makers, impervious to mistakes. However, effective leadership is far more nuanced. Good leaders recognize the strength in acknowledging vulnerabilities and understand that decision-making is an ongoing learning process. By creating an environment where everyone can learn from mistakes and failures, leaders can authentically connect with their teams and foster trust and openness. Things often don’t go as expected or planned. In the best-performing organizations, it’s understood that everyone is learning and improving together.

Leadership is about giving orders

A common leadership myth is that leaders must simply give orders, fostering a command-and-control mentality. However, effective leadership requires more than that. Great leaders create inclusive environments where collaboration thrives, innovative ideas are welcomed, and team members are empowered to contribute their expertise, even if it challenges existing notions. A leader’s role is not just about giving orders but also about inspiring, guiding, and facilitating the team’s success. By delegating and relinquishing the need for absolute control, leaders can harness their team’s diverse skills and perspectives for optimal outcomes.

There is one best leadership methodology

Leading effectively doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Great leaders and coaches often have vastly different styles. While some believe extroversion is key, introverted leaders excel in decision-making through attentive listening. Many leaders realize the drawbacks of surrounding themselves with like-minded executives. Instead, diversity of thought is valued for innovation and success.

Yet, most great leaders share two key traits: emotional intelligence and empathy. They demonstrate care for their team members as individuals, building trust, improving communication, and fostering a positive environment.

Leaders should only share good news

Some leaders believe they should shield their employees from bad news to protect team morale. However, when communication is cut off, the team fills in the gaps with their own assumptions, and the leader becomes isolated.

Great leaders value transparency, earning trust and respect by involving their team in overcoming challenges. Transparent communication fosters shared accountability and strengthens the team’s bond.

Leadership is solitary

Leadership may seem like a solitary endeavor, but it’s far from it. Great leaders purposefully assemble diverse executive teams and seek peers facing similar challenges.

Every leader has biases shaped by past decisions and experiences. Engaging with different perspectives helps leaders distinguish facts from personal narratives, enabling constructive feedback and course correction. Interacting with other leaders outside one’s company fosters honest discussions about strengths, weaknesses, and struggles. These exchanges underscore a vital truth: no leader has all the answers.

In conclusion, effective leadership requires breaking free from common myths and embracing a more nuanced understanding of the role. Leaders must recognize their vulnerabilities, foster collaboration, value diversity of thought, and prioritize transparency and openness. By continually learning, adapting, and seeking out diverse perspectives, leaders can create inclusive environments where teams thrive, challenges are overcome, and success is achieved together.