The Common Leadership Myths Preventing You From Being A High-Performing Leader

Leadership is often a role thrust upon individuals rather than a consciously chosen path. Many high-performing employees find themselves elevated to leadership positions based on their technical expertise or ability to deliver results, without necessarily receiving the requisite training or development to excel in their new roles. This phenomenon, while common, can lead to significant challenges for both the individual and the organisation. 

“There’s a common misconception that leadership is static,” says Head of Organisational Services Gagan Mudhar. “It’s the idea that once someone is in a leadership role, they must be fully formed as a leader and that the work to lead is somehow already done. In reality, leadership is a dynamic journey. It’s shaped by the broad range of experiences across our life.”

At Transitioning Well, we believe that effective leadership is a skill that can be learned and developed. We work with forward-thinking organisations to provide their leaders with the tools and support needed to upskill into exceptional leaders. By challenging outdated myths and beliefs and promoting a data-driven approach, we aim to equip leaders with the knowledge they need to thrive in today’s complex business landscape.

Myth #1

Leaders MUST have all the answers

Fact: Great Leaders Are Learners

The belief that leaders must possess all the answers is a harmful misconception. Effective leaders are those who are curious, open-minded, and eager to learn. 

By embracing a growth mindset and fostering a culture of continuous learning, leaders create environments where innovation thrives, and teams feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. 

Gallup’s research underscores the importance of leader development, revealing that employees are 87% more likely to be engaged when their leaders focus on developing others.

Myth #2

Leaders shouldn’t show emotion at work

Fact: Emotional Intelligence is Key

The stoic leader stereotype is a harmful relic of outdated leadership paradigms. Emotional intelligence is a critical competency that enables leaders to build trust, inspire loyalty, and foster a positive work culture. Great leaders understand that true strength lies not in suppressing emotions but in harnessing them to build a powerful connection with their team.

By understanding and managing their own emotions, leaders can model emotional resilience and create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable being themselves, take risks, and innovate without fear. 

Moreover, the ability to empathise with others allows leaders to connect on a deeper level, build stronger relationships, and motivate their teams to achieve shared goals. A study by EY US Consulting in 2023 found 87% of employees reported feeling more motivated and satisfied when their leader demonstrated empathy.

By understanding and sharing the feelings of their team, empathetic leaders build trust, create a supportive environment, and inspire their people to achieve great things.

Myth #3

Leaders don’t need support systems

Fact: Strong Leaders Build Strong Teams

The belief that leadership is a solitary pursuit isn’t helpful. Successful leaders understand the power of collaboration and the importance of building strong support networks. By surrounding themselves with talented and diverse individuals, leaders can access a wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and support. 

This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared ownership, accountability, and innovation. McKinsey & Company’s research highlights the impact of diversity on leadership, revealing that diverse leadership teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers. A further study by Zenger Folkman found CEOs with strong social networks delivered 21% higher returns to shareholders compared to those with weak networks. This underscores the importance of building inclusive teams and leveraging the strengths of different individuals to drive organisational success.

Myth #4

It’s ok for leaders to run on coffee and grit alone

Fact: Self-Care is Essential for Leadership

The relentless pursuit of success can lead to burnout and diminished leadership effectiveness. Prioritising self-care is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 

By engaging in activities that promote wellbeing, leaders can enhance their resilience, creativity, and decision-making abilities. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 73% of employees report feeling stressed at work, highlighting the importance of leader wellbeing as a role model for the entire organisation. Furthermore, a Gallup study also showed that organisations with highly engaged employees experience a 21% higher profitability compared to those with low engagement. When leaders demonstrate the value of self-care, they create a culture where employees are encouraged to prioritise their own wellbeing, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

👉 To find out more about how we can help, take a look at our Leading Well Series, with sessions developed to equip leaders with essential tools to be well and lead well. ​
​👉 Learn more about our workshops and webinars to support leaders.