When asked, "What do you consider to be a good leader?", many people respond with a seemingly endless list of characteristics: fair, composed, open to criticism, decisive, organized, philanthropic, open-minded, self-confident, courageous, honest, willing to learn, resilient, positive, hard-working, unwavering, strong-willed, and analytical...
This makes it clear that they start from a 100 percent ideal and think backwards from there—both for themselves and for others.
This leads to the myth that a leader must embody leader ideal image. Of course, it is desirable to become a better person, but what counts in leadership is impact! Think less about how a leader SHOULD leader and more about what they MUST DO.
But where does the assessment of what a leader should leader come from? It is based on your personal beliefs, i.e., rules for living that you hold to be true. These are interpretations and generalizations from past experiences and individual theories about why something is the way it is and not otherwise, and they form the basis for your everyday actions and the use of your abilities.
Most beliefs are good and functional. They enable you to orient yourself in the world, communicate with others, and respond optimally to what is happening in and around you. However, there are also beliefs that inhibit you and limit your personal development.
When it comes to leadership, there are ten limiting beliefs—widely held—known as leadership myths. Ask yourself which myths you subscribe to and which obstacles you should remove in order leader your effectiveness as leader .
Find out more in the blog series starting today 10 Myths of Leadership.
1. Image of the ideal leader
[mks_pullquote align=”left” width=”600″ size=”22″ bg_color=”#5d819d” txt_color=”#ffffff”]Do you start with a 100% ideal and work backward from there? This unconscious programming draws attention to shortcomings and weaknesses, which can lead you to deny yourself the right to lead others. Put an end to this exaggerated leaderapproach—it doesn’t help anyone.[/mks_pullquote]
We will present the next myth tomorrow. Please check back again!
