Happy new week The Millennial readers!

I am unusually excited about Mondays. As I have mentioned before they always signal new beginnings: a new week to try out new things. I would really like to know which is your best day of the week and why it is so.

Meanwhile, how about today we bust some leadership myths? The word ‘leadership’ is a common word that may mean a lot of things to different people. I bet different things just crossed your mind the moment you read this. Let’s see if you’re right. 

What is the best definition of leadership?

Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of individuals to influence and guide followers or other members of an organization.

The definition above is universally accepted and to me it best defines leadership. As human beings, we all have our own views and opinions of how different things should be. In all our unique differences, we also hold different stereotypes and beliefs that may necessarily not be true. These opinions may govern our thought processes due to our own experiences as a result of nature and nurture, and it’s all okay, we are humans after all. 

On that note, I would like to demythify some of these biases or assumptions that we may have taken to mean leadership but are not true. 

  • Myth #1: Leaders must be extroverts

For years, it was common wisdom that only extroverts could be successful leaders. Introverts, on the other hand, must nurture extroverted characteristics in order to successfully lead teams. The reality is that introverts can make great leaders. Two of the key traits of introversion, listening to others and quiet reflection, are critical components of sound decision making.

  • Myth #2: Leaders need to know everything

Some leaders think they must be smarter and know more than anyone working for them. That logic may have held true in the industrial age when a line worker rose to manager by knowing how to perform every job on the factory floor. With today’s fast-moving business culture, that’s no longer possible, or even desirable. Today’s leaders need to be willing and able to tap into the skills and expertise of the smart people around them.

  • Myth #3: One leadership style fits all, forever

Early in their careers, leaders often learn a few management techniques that work well. Those habits can become ingrained. However, leadership is rarely a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as technical skills need to be constantly updated to remain relevant, so do motivation strategies and management styles.

  • Myth #4: Only the boss can lead

It’s a common misconception among managers and employees alike that there’s only one leader per team, department, or company. In reality, almost everyone takes on a leadership role from time to time, stepping up and stepping back as circumstances change. The service representative who decides how to best help an upset customer can be just as much a leader as the boss who sets annual goals and priorities.

  • Myth #5: Management equals leadership

The words “leader” and “manager” are used interchangeably in everyday discussions, but the two functions are distinct. Managers set and enforce rules and control a group in order to accomplish defined goals. Leaders inspire influence and encourage those around them, whether they’ve got a management title or not.

  • Myth #6: Leaders must eliminate mistakes

It’s easy to see leaders as infallible. However, not only does everyone make mistakes, but those errors help us learn and grow.

  • Myth #7: “People stuff” is for HR

Some leaders fail to realize that they set the tone for their workplace or understand the power of positive interpersonal relationships. By focusing solely on operational, financial, or administrative metrics, such leaders fail to acknowledge that disrespectful relationship or a cut-throat environment decrease productivity. Instead, emphasis should be placed on the overall team’s achievements and ability to work toward a common goal.

  • Myth #8: Great leaders are always in the spotlight

It is true that if you are a leader of the company there is an expectation that you will also be a company’s spokesperson. But leadership comes in many forms. You don’t have to be on the organization’s executive team to be a leader. True leaders (whether they are at the helm or not) are humble. They don’t much care about the spotlight. They care about the results. And that comes from focus.

  • Myth #9: Great leaders are born, not made

 “The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born – that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.” – Warren G. Bennis

Anyone can excel at anything if they truly put their mind to it. Leadership is a skill, not a genetic disposition. 

What other myths of leadership have you encountered? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Happy reading week!

Ruth Kimani ❤❤❤