You might have some skewed ideas about leadership. Guiding your team goes beyond making decisions and reaching sales goals. It’s about how you show up, communicate and inspire others, especially when the pressure is on. Leading your team well requires flexibility and growth. This can often mean changing up how you usually do things.
Marlene Chism, an author, speaker and consultant, says many leaders fall for some common myths that limit their potential. These myths are easy to buy into, and many leaders believe them without realizing the negative effects. So, which leadership myths might be holding you back? We share Chism’s thoughts in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Myth: It’s all about you. People aren’t paying as much attention to you as you might think. When you worry about what people think of you, it’s easy to take complaints or resistance personally. Most of the time, though, people aren’t reacting to you. Rather, Chism says they’re reacting to uncertainty, fears or change fatigue.
Myth: A strong leader is a certain leader. According to Chism, when you think you know someone’s intentions, you’re being controlled by your narrative. This makes you believe everything you think. Certainty feels comfortable, but it’s better to be curious. Chism says curiosity invites dialogue, builds trust and leads to better decisions.
Myth: A leader’s job is to fix the problem. It’s natural to want to focus on the problem, but the more you focus on it, the bigger it becomes. Chism says the real leverage comes from focusing on the result you want to create. Try to shift the focus to the outcome. Instead of asking, “What’s the problem?” Chism recommends determining the situation, the desired outcome and the obstacle.
Myth: If it’s their job, it’s not your problem. You may delegate something, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for it. The reality, Chism says, is that something may be an employee’s job, but it’s your responsibility. If you want high performance, you shouldn’t just assign tasks but own the environment.
Myth: Communication is just soft skills. Sometimes, a communication problem is something else altogether. For example, it may be a conversation that should have happened but never did. This is avoidance of conflict and not a communication issue. Chism says communication skills and conflict management are related but not interchangeable.
Don’t get sidetracked by the leadership myths above. Step away from the spotlight, focus on outcomes and take ownership beyond your job description. Taking these small actions can help you lead with more influence and create a more connected team along the way.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Marlene Chism is an author, consultant and speaker. She’s also a recognized expert on the LinkedIn Global Learning Platform.
