Light-hearted, empathetic and cynical - a representation of those management behaviours that drive many people to despair. The lack of distinction throughout the corporate world between management and leadership practices when applied to senior positions is a key reason for performance mediocrity within the workplace. Through identifying these behaviours that are often used to avoid a lack of leadership, we may one day to be able address this issue more formally in the workplace. In the meantime please identify and share those management behaviours that are commonly used in your workplace to avoid what we all desire – effective leadership.

1. FAKE
LEADERSHIP
20+ management tips for
leadership avoidance

2. We all have our ‘leadership’ opinions
‘Why aren’t
management leading?!!’

3. Often they go no-where
Thought …
…but no influence

4. Want to know?
‘How did my boss become a senior
manager when he/she has zero leadership
skills?’

5. This presentation defines management
behaviours that surround us
but are generally sidestepped to
prevent rocking the boat

6. No gloss
There are no pretty pictures and awesomely
inspired imagery.
Just words.

7. So then, just what is..
…fake leadership???

8. Whilst employed as a senior manager, fake leadership can
be defined as;
1. An avoidance of defining what leadership
is
2. A consistent lack of leadership behaviour
3. The covering up of (1) and (2) via
alternative behaviours

9. So how do you become a fake leader?
20+ tips to show you the way…..

10. 1. Management matters
As a senior manager your priority is managing
sales, systems, processes, people and the
numbers
Get this right and your lack of leadership
will never be a real issue
Really.

11. 2. Confidence
Be full of it
even when you have no reason to be
You are the person who always knows what they
are doing,
clearly you are a leader

12. 3. Involve HR
Corporates encourage managers to involve HR
people/process in any decision (to avoid
accountability)
It might be the wrong decision, but it
was half OK if HR gave their approval

13. 4. Know the theory…
..of leadership inside and out. Put that leadership
course certificate prominently on your office
wall.
You may have zero leadership
behaviours, but you know how it’s supposed to
be done
This should be enough

14. 5. Quote Apple and Jobs
Quote a reference to the iPhone, you will be right
every time
Despite the irrelevance of Steve Jobs’
expertise and management style to your
industry, quote him anyway.
No one will argue with you

15. 6. Be on a ‘Leadership Team’
Surround yourself with likeminded managers on
this exclusive team. Emphasise it’s importance
on your public Outlook calendar.
Who can ever challenge your
leadership qualities?
You’re on the team!

16. 7. Force a positive internal slogan
‘Better together’
‘Good to Great’
‘Striving for Excellence’
It’s what good leaders do. Anyone who questions the
‘cheese’ can be isolated for being negative.
Awesome.

17. 8. Give the dog a bone
Offer a surprise managers shout;
pizza
ice-cream
Lunch at a local restaurant
Leaders pay for it. Everyone loves it.

18. 9. Bark now and then
Bite someone’s head off
Surprise everyone. You’re the boss. You’re
the leader. You’re just like Steve Jobs
Keep them on their toes

19. 10. Stroke your team pet
There is one in every team.
When your leadership is lacking the team
lapdog will highlight your qualities
The others remain frustrated
That’s their choice.

20. 11. Dress to impress
Shiny shoes!
Gigantic watch
Fancy pen
Big car
You are definitely a leader

21. 12. Perception is reality
Highly technical business and industry magazines.
Only leaders have time for such things.
Leave the latest editions scattered around your
office. Drop in a random article quote
The leader knows all

22. 13. Agree with…
1. Your boss about everything
2. Anyone more senior than you
3. Anything from HR
Remember
This is not leadership, this is effective avoidance.

23. 14. Disagree with…
1. Your direct reports
2. Anyone less senior than you
3. Anything that hasn’t got HR approval
Reinforce your authority to steamroll leadership
challenges

24. 15. Monthly Expenses
Never do your own
ensure they are of significant value
True leaders spend up large and let others do the
donkey work

25. 16. Leadership pictures
Black and white imagery of famous people long
dead.
Your office is a shrine
You are a disciple
Their leadership qualities live on through you

26. 17. Be needed
enjoy a grand hotel, a drink & a nice meal
Leaders must always
personally attend fancy random events
Being a leader demands
a lot of your time
This is your sacrifice.

27. 18. Big company = hiding place
avoid leadership simply by existing within layers
of management
let them come and get you
if they dare

28. 19. Distraction
Laugh at others
Esp the competition and various internal teams.
your team will have this in common with
you;
a distraction from your own weaknesses

29. 20. The Big Signature
Dominate the bottom of every document
Big leaders have page presence.

30. 21. Narcissism
A weakness for many
A complement for the fake leader
you know how awesome you really are.
Wikipedia: narcissism is a term that originated with Narcissus in Greek mythology who fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of
water. Currently it is used to describe a person characterized by egotism, vanity, pride, or selfishness; an erotic gratification derived from
admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes.

31. And finally. Numbers.
Always manage the numbers.
Leadership is not the top priority valued by
the shareholders.
The numbers are.
Always.

32. For more tips on leadership avoidance
you can follow me on YouTube:
Kind Regards,
David
david the
leader
Click here

33. Rate your boss
How many of David’s tips relate to your boss?
• 3 to 5 = typical scenario, observe and learn
• 5 to 10 = look for another job
• 10 to 15 = leave your job regardless
• 15 to 20 = your boss is a twat in any language
• >20 = David Brent