Linked 2 Leadership

In my experiences with how people perceive leadership, I have run across some widely believed myths.

And many of these myths cause misconceptions that need to be broken.

Understanding Roadblocks to Success

When people grow up thinking that leaders are “always this” or “never that,” they can create unnecessary problems for themselves and for others around them. Misconceptions can build until they reach a mythical point in their mind.

And as time goes on, these “false truths” can hold people back from becoming something great.

They can stifle things like:

• Personal and Professional Growth
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Bottom-line Results

So in order to help people get out of these mindsets, I have debunked some of these myths to help people learn, grow, and develop other leaders.

Breaking the Top 4 Leadership Myths

Myth 1: It’s Lonely At The Top

Truth: If it’s lonely at the top, you’re not doing it right.

What are the attributes of a true leader?

• Personable – love to be close to people
• Generate high morale on their team
• Empower others to come along with them
• Place great value on others
• Inspiring
• Engage those around them
• Lead by example

Myth 2: Stubborn “Know it All” People Are The Toughest To Lead

Truth: The toughest person to lead is always yourself.
Truth: You must first lead yourself well in order to lead others well.

If you reflect on your leadership of others, you may have been viewed as:

• Prideful
• Unrealistic
• Rigid
• Autocratic
• Timid

What created this behavior?
What did you learn from it?

We should be good followers first.

• No one is an island
• Everyone follows someone
• Following the right people keeps us on an even keel
• Everyone could potentially have a voice in your life
• Not everyone’s voice is valid for your life. Analyze and dissect
• Your voice is the most important voice you hear

Myth 3: Leaders Are Born, Not Made

Truth: Leadership is a learned skill set, not a talent given.

Out of over twenty years of listening to leaders speak, none of them stated that they were given the gift of leadership at birth.

All true leaders are humble, knowing that anyone can learn what they learned and do what they do.
Some people are born with the desire to lead, but the still have to learn the skill set. Conversely, many great leaders have stated that they were not born with the desire to lead, but became a leader by learning the skill set.

What is the secret then?

• Training
• Application

Myth 4: You Have To Have A Position of Leadership In Order To Lead

Truth: Leadership is influence. Anyone that you influence, you are leading.

Right now… where you are… at this very moment… you lead someone.

• Children
• Siblings
• Parents (yes, it’s true!)
• Friends
• Co-workers
• Church family

Those who lead well where they are grow into those leadership positions with the official title.

• Leadership is a daily process
• You never outgrow leadership
• Leadership has goals, but no final destination
• Leadership has no days off
• You must lead well in the small things before you will ever lead well in the bigger things

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. – John Quincy Adams

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. ~ Napoleon Hill

So, how many of these 4 myths have you bought into in the past? How has this impacted your effectiveness with those you work with or lead? And how many of these myths have you broken through to better increase your personal leadership effectiveness? I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Learn, Grow & Develop Other Leaders™

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Jack Davis is a John Maxwell Certified Success Coach and Speaker
He serves as Coach, YouthMax Speaker & Board Member Team Xtreme Ministries
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

Image Sources: churchleaders.com

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Filed under: Authentic Leadership, Leadership Lessons Learned, Servant Leadership, Values-Based Leadership | Tagged: business, leadership, Management | 8 Comments »