This document discusses common myths surrounding leadership. It addresses the myths that great leaders need prestigious qualifications, that following a checklist of behaviors will make someone a great leader, and that no news is good news for a leader. The document advocates that leadership is more about how one relates to others than qualifications. It also notes that copying behaviors won't help master skills and that employees may not feel comfortable providing feedback. The document concludes by stating that admitting fear and vulnerability takes courage and helps build trust and bonds with employees.

1. COMMON
MYTHS
SURROUNDING
LEADERSHIP
JIMMY LUSTIG

2. GREAT LEADERS NEED TO
BE HIGHLY RANKED
INDIVIDUALS
If you think that the best leaders
are though who have graduated
from the most prestigious colleges
and taken numerous leadership
courses, you’re not alone in that
assumption. Many people believe
that to be a great leader you
need to have great qualifications.
But, that isn’t the case. Leadership
is more about how you relate to
others than it is about your
personal achievements. Take food
industry personality Rachel Ray for
example. She’s a household name
and has amassed a $60 million
fortune, all without having any
culinary qualifications.

3. FOLLOWING A CHECKLIST OF CERTAIN
BEHAVIORS WILL MAKE YOU A GREAT LEADER
There are many common behaviors that great leaders possess.
However, that doesn’t just mean you should try to copy all of those
behaviors to be an effective leader. There are many different
styles of leadership, and what works for others will not necessarily
work for you. Also, you should be trying to learn about leadership
skills instead of just copying what you think will work. This won’t
help you actually master the skills you’re hoping to learn.

4. NO NEWS IS GOOD
NEWS
If no one has complained about your
leadership style, that must mean
everything is going swimmingly, right?
Wrong. While it’s possible there are
genuinely no issues, it could also
mean your team doesn’t feel
comfortable coming to you with
problems or feedback. When 2219
working adults were surveyed, 38
percent responded they wouldn’t tell
their manager if they were
experiencing mental health problems
because they feared it would pose a
risk to their career. Work to create
closer and more open relationships
with your employees, so they do feel
comfortable coming to you with
problems.

5. IT’S WEAK TO ADMIT FEAR AND
VULNERABILITY
Most people struggle to allow themselves to be vulnerable and
admit their fears to others. Leaders may especially struggle with
this as they’re seen as fearless and strong figures. However,
discussing your failures and showing weaknesses is an act of
courage that will help your employees to better respect and trust
you. Being honest with your team members will help them to view
you as more approachable and real, which helps in building bonds.