I am not sure why so many people who assume a leadership role decide to act and behave in an autocratic manner. Credible leadership is a widely discussed topic, and in recent times we have seen some great and poor examples of leadership qualities on the world stage. Leadership has many myths and misconceptions that can hinder personal growth, misguide teams, and even damage confidence and culture.

The following eight myths and truths have application in all leadership settings (organisation, community, volunteer groups, government, education and sport).

#1: Leaders are born, not made

Myth: Leadership is an innate trait, and only certain people are “natural born leaders”.

Truth: Leadership should not be confused with wealth, charisma, or confidence. These are personal traits. Credibility is the basis for leadership. Knowledge and experience provide wisdom. A compelling vision for the future provides context for a quest. And doing what you say you will do develops credibility. Leadership has many layers, and ultimately it will be history that will judge the authenticity and credibility of any leader.

#2: Leadership is a title

Myth: By assuming a title a person automatically becomes a leader.

Truth: Merely being in charge does not make someone a leader. It just puts them in control. Too many leaders hide behind the brand they represent and the title they have. Once you strip this away and focus on their qualities and achievements, this becomes where their leadership story and authenticity sit. We have seen way too many examples of politicians who assume a leadership title but fail to lead.

#3: Leadership requires a set of predetermined competencies

Myth: To be an effective leader you must acquire a set of qualities and personal competencies.

Truth: Most leadership qualities and attributes are acquired over time. They require practice and application. Every leader has a set of strengths and weakness. Play to your strengths and gain support for your weakness. Much like parenting. Over time you build your own unique parenting style. At the very start of every parenting and leadership journey is a story of self-doubt, but over time skills are acquired and qualities are developed.

#4: Leaders must be extroverts and authoritarian

Myth: To be an effective leader you need to be loud, directive, and have an authoritative style.

Truth: All leadership styles are effective. Indeed, the most effective leaders are able to adapt their leadership styles to suit the circumstances. No doubt in times of crisis direct and authoritative leadership styles are effective. However, a leader must be able to instil confidence, competence, and commitment in the people they lead, and have an ability to engage on many levels. This is achieved by listening, being empathetic and asking the right questions, not telling people what to do.

#5 Leadership is about having all the answers

Myth: A leader must always know what to do and have all the answers.

Truth: Credible leaders don’t have all the answers, nor do they need to. Leadership is about engaging people to grow, be curious and explore the art of the possible. Often this is about asking the right questions and giving people permission to look for answers and solutions. A leader must be able to create the right environment for this dynamic to occur. A climate of fear will destroy curiosity, innovation, and creativity.

#6 Leaders should avoid showing vulnerability

Myth: Leaders should project strength, confidence, and authority at all times.

Truth: Vulnerability and the ability to deal with it is a strength. Leaders who can admit mistakes, share where they are struggling, and seek support from others earn respect and trust. Indeed, a leader who role models how to tackle and work through vulnerability will provide some wonderful self-leadership lessons to others. Working through vulnerability is a crucial life skill.

#7 Leaders should adopt one leadership style for all

Myth: A trusted leader adopts the same leadership style in all circumstances and applies it to all people.

Truth: Leadership styles must adapt to the changing times, circumstances and people. Situational leadership is a key leadership quality that forms over time. Authentic leaders are familiar with different people and their needs. Effective communication requires adapting any message sent to suit the person receiving it. People have different learning styles. Effective leaders adapt their style based on the needs of the person and the environment they are in.

#8 Leaders must role model perfection

Myth: A strong leader can never be wrong and must never admit they made a mistake

Truth: No one is perfect. Being able to admit mistakes early, assume responsibility, and share what they have learnt is what builds a leader’s credibility. Mistakes are inevitable. It is how a leader responds to a mistake that is crucial. History has demonstrated great leaders embrace failure as a learning opportunity and model humility without pointing fingers at others, apportioning blame or deflecting responsibility away from themselves.

Finally:

Leadership is complex, multifaceted, and multiskilled. Every leader has a unique set of qualities and attributes, that make their leadership style specific to them. Effective leadership is not about fitting into stereotypical attributes, but more about authenticity and credibility

Leadership Lesson

Leadership is not about controlling people or being in charge.
Leadership is about engaging people to work together to make a difference, achieve something, or deliver an outcome.
There is no set leadership style that works best.
Credibility is the basis for leadership and requires a leader to adopt their own unique style.
Just like parenting.

Facta Non-Verba – Deeds Not Words