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10 Misconceptions about Leadership

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A few major misconceptions outlined surrounding leadership, for both work and life. 

Avoiding Negative Leadership Characteristics

Equally important as following the common positive characteristics of good leaders, is avoiding commonly sighted negative characteristics.


10 Things to Avoid as a Successful Leader

  1. Not Listening: Listening is important to building a loyal and faithful team. Everyone needs to be part of the process and the bigger picture.
  2. Dismissing ideas other than your own: Don’t make employees feel like they are pitching to you, encourage them to brainstorm alongside you. Understand their potential and give credit where it is due.
  3. Accepting Experience over potential: Note that some of your best talents will come from passionate individuals. Take advantage of their enthusiasm and their fresh outlook on the industry.
  4. Ego: Release your ego and focus on becoming an inspirational figure. Look out for your team because if you are without their full support, you will get nowhere.
  5. Overworking: Set an example for your team and learn how to take a break. Make sure your mind isn’t always focused on one thing -work. It could cause a negative atmosphere and your team may also think they have to follow suit and work all hours.
  6. Lack of empathy: Leaders must do their best to remove obstacles so a team can prosper.
  7. Under-prioritising leadership development: Create a growth plan for your team and encourage them to become leaders within their departments. Give them a personal goal and build their enthusiasm.
  8. Being too conservative: Have faith in yourself and your team. Missing opportunities could be a detriment to your organisation. Create excitement by using your gut and have an open mind, you never know what opportunities may come your way.
  9. Assigning blame: Take responsibility for team failures, because they are your responsibility. It is your responsibility to find a solution.
  10. Inconsistency: Don’t confuse your team with misdirection. Use your ethics and vision to define the ultimate goal and stick to it.