In recent years, the leadership style of managing an organization has been one of the most discussed topics among managers.
Often many ideas about a leader are based on the images we see in the media, books and films. In an interview with mybiz.ru, Azim Jamal, founder and CEO of Corporate Sufi Worldwide, counted ten qualities that are often attributed to leaders that do not
actually help to become a better leader.
Myth № 1. A leader should encourage competition within the team
Leaders who believe that competition among team members is the key to success are mistaken. This approach does not correspond to reality, since in a team each person plays his own role. Collaboration is more effective than competition because it permits people to join forces and achieve better results. When people work together for a common goal, they are more successful.
Myth № 2. A leader must have total control over his subordinates
Research shows that total control over employees hinders innovation and creativity. But trust, on the contrary, increases the efficiency of people’s work.
Myth № 3. The leader must be inaccessible
Some managers mistakenly think that in order to inspire respect from employees, they must be inaccessible and elitist. However, when a manager interacts with employees face to face, he establishes a connection with them and shows that he cares about their problems. In addition, an engaged leader has a better understanding of the actual situation in which his team operates. He can see the problems the team is facing and find ways to solve them.
Myth № 4. A leader must have charisma
Charismatic leaders often have strong communication skills and the ability to persuade. However, charisma is not a prerequisite for successful leadership. Many leaders earn respect through their attitude, diligence, and ability.
Myth № 5. Leaders are born
Of course, some people have certain leadership qualities naturally. However, they can be acquired, developed or improved through experience, training from mentors and a burning desire to lead people.
Myth № 6. Leaders are people who have been appointed to leadership positions
Leadership is not a position, but a personality trait. A true leader does not need a high position to lead people - just the right approach and the desire to be in charge. Informal leaders play an important role in any organization.
Myth № 7. A leader must know everything
Only the best leaders know their weaknesses and surround themselves with people who can complement them. No one person knows everything, so team success requires collaboration between people with different skills and backgrounds. Leaders understand that mistakes happen, but they also understand that they must learn from those mistakes. Leaders know how to emerge stronger from mistakes.
Myth № 8. The leader must be older and more experienced than the members of the team he leads
In some cases, age and experience may actually be important factors in facilitating leadership. Important, but not mandatory! There are many examples of young, capable and energetic leaders who have instilled new thinking in organizations.
Myth № 9. The leader is selfish and narcissistic
A good leader is humble enough to understand that success can only be achieved with the help of other people. And the rest need to realize that leadership is not the only factor of success and the goal cannot be achieved alone.
Myth № 10: A leader does not delegate high-level work
Great leaders create leaders, not followers. They create leaders by being good role models and permitting their employees to express their abilities by entrusting them with important work.
Resource: mybiz.ru
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