As someone who owns or is thinking about starting their own business, you’ve probably heard a lot of advice about leadership. And while some of it may be helpful, a lot of it is based on myths that can actually do more harm than good. So, let’s take a look at five 5 myths about leadership you need to stop believing and set the record straight.
Myth #1: Leaders are born, not made
One of the most harmful leadership myths is that some people are just born leaders and the rest of us are destined to follow. The truth is that everyone has the potential to be a great leader if they’re willing to put in the work. Sure, some people may have a natural tendency towards leadership, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also learn and grow their skills. There are plenty of resources out there—books, seminars, online courses—that can help you develop your leadership skills.
Myth #2: Leaders need to be extroverts
Another common leadership myth is that you need to be an extrovert to be a successful leader. While it’s true that extroverts tend to be more outgoing and have an easier time networking, that doesn’t mean introverts can’t be effective leaders. In fact, many introverts make great leaders because they’re able to listen more than they talk and they’re often very thoughtful and analytical. The key is to play to your strengths and find ways to work around your weaknesses.
Myth #3: Leaders need to be assertive
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be assertive—or even confident—to be a successful leader. In fact, many of the most successful leaders are actually quite introverted and shy. What they lack in confidence, they make up for in other areas like intelligence, creativity, and determination. The key is to find your own authentic style of leadership and stay true to yourself.
Myth #4: All leaders need vision
While it’s certainly important for leaders to have a vision for their company or organization, not all leaders need to have one. If you’re not the visionary type, that’s OK! There are plenty of other ways to contribute to your company or organization’s success. You can focus on operational aspects or strategy or simply being a great team player. The important thing is to find your niche and excel in it.
Myth #5: Leaders always know what they’re doing
This one might surprise you, but even the most successful leaders don’t always know what they’re doing! The best leaders are those who are constantly learning and growing their skills. They’re always looking for new challenges and opportunities to improve their organization or company. So if you feel like you don’t always have all the answers, don’t worry—you’re in good company!