In the workplace, everyone has the potential to become a great leader if they have the right knowledge.
Unfortunately, most of the time, for lack of knowledge, we see our higher ups acting like children and creating toxic workplaces.
They misunderstand the real role leaders should have within their team and organization.
Wondering what are the common misconceptions about leadership?
Misconception #1. Leaders are bosses or managers
Don’t mistake leaders for bosses. Great leaders generally don’t like humiliating people or bossing people around.
Leaders don’t go around telling people what to do but tend to lead by example.
Leaders have to lead themselves first before they lead anybody else.
They don’t need or want to have power over others. Instead, they influence and empower others.Â
Misconception #2. Leaders are not emotional
“Leave your emotions at the door” is an expression that we often hear in the workplace.
The truth is we can’t fully detach our emotions from our circumstances wherever we go.
The truth is nobody wants an emotionless leader who lacks empathy for their team and cannot communicate their emotions.
Why? Because emotions make us human. They are there to help and guide us.
That doesn’t mean that we should wear our emotions on our sleeves and bleed on everyone else.
It means that you should definitely communicate your emotions and that you can share what you are feeling in a disciplined manner.
Misconception #3. Leaders are unkind
We often hear that kind people are generally taken advantage of and don’t make it very far in the world.
People in positions of leadership feels the need to be mean to demonstrate their power and to protect themselves.
However, kind leaders are successful in the workplace because they:
- Are firm yet vulnerable and are open to accepting help from others.
- Listen and help their coworkers.
- Are flexible and supportive.
In return, team members are more motivated, more productive, and are appreciative of a healthy work environment.
Misconception #4. Leaders are confident all the time
Leaders are human too.
They are not always confident and positive.
They have huge responsibilities and developed character, but they still fall prey to insecurities.
However, they make a point to nurture their self-esteem and boost the self-esteem of others. They know how to discipline their emotions because they are aware that they are role models.
Misconception #5. Leaders are professional and private
Leaders are professional but they have a personal life that they can share if they want to.
The reality is that leaders have to open up and get to know their team members.
They have to know what motivates their team and share what motivates them in return.
They need to know what is important to their team so that they create a healthy work-life balance.
Misconception #6. Leaders know everything
Some people think that leaders have to know everything.
Some employee may even challenge their bosses knowledge.
Leaders are not supposed to know everything. They are there to unite and to guide.
Instead, they must surround themselves with the best and rely on them to get all the expertise they need.
They may not be experts but leaders must not feel insecure about not knowing everything.Â
Misconception #7. All leaders are extroverted
Extroverts are people persons, are skilled at communicating and speaking their mind.
Because communication skills are highly valued in the workplace, extroverted leaders have a leg up on the competition.
However, introverts can achieve their full potential as well because introverts have their own set of skills. They become wise and understanding leaders who listen to their team and reflect on the best solutions.
Misconception #8. Leaders have high energy
Sure, leaders should exercise and refresh their mind to maintain a certain level of energy.
However, they are not jesters or there to entertain the crowd.
They have to make responsible decisions and stay focused on the vision.
Misconception #9. Leaders are void of mistakes
In reality, leaders make the most mistakes.
They function ahead of the crowd and experience things before anyone else.
They had to make mistakes before they achieve any type of success.
Last Words Of Advice!
There is no general mould for leadership.
Most leaders don’t really need a diploma, title or position.
Furthermore, leadership is a constant work in progress. There are leaders at all levels of life and there are various leadership styles for leaders to express themselves.
Hope that I’ve helped you get it together on your way to leadership!
Don’t forget to like, share and leave a comment below.
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