Is leadership only about leading the team? Or is it about helping individuals to meet their goals and enhance their potentials? Leadership is a buzzword in business. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in the leadership quality as every leader has distinct qualities. Some may be technical geeks, some may be good at numbers, some might be good at management skills etc. but most importantly, they lead the teams.
Myth is just an illusion that is incorrect. Unfortunately, there are several myths that revolve around our minds. It is important to get rid of them and face the reality behind it. They are also attached to the term “LEADERSHIP”. Supporting the myths will prevent the growth of the organizations as well as their employees. Here is the list of myths that badly affects the successful corporate business.
Myth No. 1
Leaders have Super Powers
This sentence is nothing but just a myth. Leader is one of the aspects of the communication channel (either top down or bottom up approach). Though leaders are considered to be powerful, they are obliged by the leaders that lead them. Leaders are required to know the strength and weaknesses of the team they lead, to use their power when required. But, if the team member think their leaders have super powers to get the solution in any situation, then they are wrong. Some critical situation needs to be forwarded to the higher authority and in case they find vulnerability, top management can take necessary action and the leaders can just accept the decisions. Employees should make sure that their leader is not a super-man with super-powers and if you commit severe mistakes, he/she cannot help!
Myth No. 2
Leaders do not Work Hard, but Smart
A prima facie of this myth might have confused you a bit. Do not work hard, but smart, it simply means that leaders should work smart rather that working hard. Leaders should plan their day considering productivity of the team on high priority. Building effective strategies by the leaders should be pivotal. But do you think creating strategies is all enough? Leaders need to work hard to achieve the goals and targets set for his/her team. Excellent leaders charge up their team to perform remarkably. Smart strategies will help them achieve the desired results. “Success comes with a price tag”, the efforts and dedication paid by the team is the cost to success.
Myth No. 3
Top Ranked Individual is a Leader
It might be true up to some extent. But what if the individual with the highest rank does not have the leadership quality? So, “the top ranked individual is a leader” is not always correct. For instance, if the individual has performed progressively in the organizational journey and then if he is given a team to manage, it might be possible that he would not perform excellently as he did earlier. He was given several chances and guidance to guide the team for growth, but due to lack of leadership quality he, may not perform productively and ultimately team’s credibility is affected severely.
Myth No. 4
Leaders aren’t born, but Made
This is the biggest myth that created the misconception that leaders are born not made. Do you think that leadership quality is infused in their genes? Actually, it is correct, but it is also correct that, not every leader is born with this marvelous talent. Leadership is an art and leaders are being made! Even the individuals with charismatic personalities and strong dedication can be a leader, provided he is guided accurately to handle a team and take crucial decisions for company’s betterment.
Myth No. 5
Leaders Can Answer Every Question
Though having years of work experience, knowledge and understanding, leaders cannot answer every question. They also understand their limitations being a manager or a mentor of a team. They are either bounded by the designation to preserve crucial company details or are bounded by the rules and regulations set by the organization. Leaders listen more than they speak with an aim to understand and bring the solution. They might answer every question by encouraging his/her team to execute strategies suiting company’s vision.
I have listed few myths about leadership qualities that should be expelled. Explaining these qualities in terms of skills might be difficult. There is no fixed definition to explain what leadership quality is as it totally depends on the organization type and the work efficiency of team members. If you are a leader, avoid these myths and if you are a team member, you’re your leaders to simplify the misbelieves!