I've been leading teams for 15+ years.
And I've realized something disturbing:
Many "leadership truths" I once believed are actually MYTHS.
Here are 17 leadership myths I've had to unlearn:
1. Great leaders have all the answers.
Truth: The best leaders ask better questions & create space for others to solve problems.
2. You must hide vulnerability to maintain authority.
Truth: Showing appropriate vulnerability builds trust & connection.
3. Leaders should never show emotion.
Truth: Emotional intelligence includes expressing emotions authentically & appropriately.
4. Feedback should always be sandwiched between compliments.
Truth: Direct, compassionate feedback is more effective & respected.
5. You need to micromanage to ensure quality.
Truth: Clear expectations + trust = better results & happier teams.
6. Leadership is about being in charge.
Truth: It's about serving others & removing obstacles to their success.
7. Great leaders are born, not made.
Truth: Leadership is a skill that can be developed with intention & practice.
8. You must be extroverted to lead effectively.
Truth: Introverts bring valuable listening skills & thoughtful decision-making.
9. Leaders should maintain professional distance.
Truth: Genuine connection creates psychological safety & better outcomes.
10. You should treat everyone exactly the same.
Truth: Equity means giving each person what they uniquely need to succeed.
11. Conflict should be avoided at all costs.
Truth: Healthy conflict leads to better decisions & stronger relationships.
12. The leader's ideas should take priority.
Truth: The best ideas can come from anywhere in the organization.
13. Leaders shouldn't admit mistakes.
Truth: Owning mistakes builds credibility & models accountability.
14. Work-life balance is the employee's responsibility.
Truth: Leaders set the tone & create conditions for sustainable performance.
15. Leadership is about position & title.
Truth: True leadership is about influence, regardless of formal authority.
16. You need to have all the technical expertise.
Truth: You need to build diverse teams with complementary strengths.
17. Once you're a leader, you've "made it."
Truth: Leadership is a continuous journey of growth & learning.
Which of these myths have you had to unlearn?
What would you add to this list?