10 Leadership Myths and Why You Should Not Believe Them

One of the most misquoted, and misrepresented topics on LinkedIn, is that of Leadership. Posts on LinkedIn abound with “flavour of the month” insights that evoke a range of emotional responses, largely due to the fact that they are often presented in emotive ways as irrevocable truths.  Leadership is a complex and often misunderstood concept, leading to the proliferation of platitudes from academics and dabblers in leadership alike, that would urge us to believe that there are several, so-called myths about leadership. These utterings are often misplaced, out of context, and fail to tell the whole story.

Here are the ten myths we are constantly reminded about, and why they are refutable: 

• Leaders Are Born, Not Made: This myth suggests that leadership is an innate quality that cannot be developed. In reality, leadership skills can be learned and honed through experience, education, and self-awareness. No doubt, people do have a remarkable ability to learn new things, but in order to be a great leader, you do need to have a natural predisposition for the role.

People with innate predispositions for leadership generally take to leadership much easier than those who have to work at it. Yes, certain personality profiles do tend to be more associated with effective leadership. Research in organisational psychology and leadership studies suggests that specific traits and characteristics can enhance one's ability to lead effectively. 

Personality itself, which encompasses enduring traits and patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, is generally considered to be relatively stable over time. These traits are largely influenced by genetic factors and early life experiences, and while they can evolve somewhat, they are not easily "taught" in the traditional sense. 

Great leadership cannot be taught.

• Leaders Have All the Answers: There's a common misconception that leaders must have solutions to all problems. Effective leaders know the importance of collaboration, delegation, and seeking input from others to make informed decisions.

What is leadership if you are unable to do the job at least as well as your followers? How do you show people the way and support them along the journey? The fact is, people expect their leaders to show them the way. Leaders build confidence in their followers when they are able to demonstrate high levels of empathy born out of their insights into the problems that need to be solved.

Great leaders demonstrate proven domain experience and expertise in dealing the core issues.

• Leadership Is About Authority and Control: Many believe that leadership is about exerting power and control over others. True leadership focuses on inspiring, motivating, and guiding people towards a common goal.

Yes, this is so, but have you ever succeeded in leading a team if you are unable to assure them that you are in control of the situation?

Great leaders are able to exert influence over others because they create confidence in their ability to remain in control in critical situations.

• Leaders Are Extroverts: The stereotype of the charismatic, outgoing leader overlooks the fact that introverts can be equally effective leaders. Introverted leaders often excel in listening, reflecting, and forming deep, meaningful connections with their team members.

Whoever suggested that these traits are the exclusive domain of introverts? The truth is that if you are not predisposed to putting it out there and do not draw you energy from other people, then you shouldn’t be doing leadership. Being a wise and empathetic person is never a substitute for the needs people have for confidence in their leader’s ability to find their energy in connecting with other people.

Great leaders have a natural disposition for being with people and drawing their energy from engaging with others.

• Leaders Should Never Show Vulnerability: There's a myth that leaders must always be strong and unyielding. However, showing vulnerability can build trust and authenticity, encouraging open communication and stronger team dynamics.

In over 45 years in leadership roles and observing other leaders, the worst mistake any good leader can make is to cast doubt into a situation. The moment the leader shows any sign of breaking down, the confidence in that leader rapidly erodes.

Great leaders have an innate ability to remain calm and in control under the most trying circumstances. 

• Leaders Are Always Confident: The belief that leaders must always exude confidence can be misleading. Effective leaders are often humble, acknowledge their limitations, and are willing to learn and grow.

Confidence and humility need not be mutually exclusive. Leadership is about bringing confidence to a situation. That is what followers need.

Great leaders create and foster hope in their followers by showing the way and providing the support people need.

• Leadership Is a Solo Effort: Some think that leadership is about individual achievement. Successful leaders recognise the importance of teamwork and understand that collective effort leads to greater success.

That doesn’t explain the fact that even the most successful leaders will tell you that “it is lonely at the top”. It has to be that way if you are to avoid self-destructive accusations of favouritism.

Great leaders go beyond recognising the importance of teamwork to working in and with teams, but they know how to separate their private thoughts and emotions, so that these don’t get in the way of team functioning.

• Leaders Must Be Highly Charismatic: While charisma can be a beneficial trait, it is not essential for effective leadership. Many successful leaders are known more for their integrity, dedication, and ability to build strong relationships than for their charisma.

Is this not charisma? When I last looked in the dictionary I recall something along the lines of “compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion to others”. Is the heart of leadership not the ability to influence others to the point of devotion to follow the leader?

Great leaders benefit from high levels of compelling attractiveness that inspires devotion to others.

• Leadership Is All About Results: This myth emphasizes that the end justifies the means. Ethical leadership focuses not only on achieving results but also on the processes, values, and principles guiding those results.

 Yes, it is about both: the results and the support offered in getting there. Show me a successful leader that is soft on the results.

Great leaders provide both direction and support.

• Leaders Cannot Fail: The pressure to never fail can be overwhelming for leaders. The reality is that failure is an inevitable part of growth and learning. Great leaders learn from their failures and use these experiences to improve and adapt.

The problem is that when leaders fail, it erodes confidence and trust in the leaders ability to take people along the chosen path. It destroys their credibility.

Great leaders know when to quit.

The pundits of the so-called myths of leadership would propose that understanding these myths helps in developing a more realistic and nuanced view of what effective leadership entails. Don’t be fooled. These myths are damned lies.