10 Common Myths about Leadership

Leadership refers to the ability to motivate and inspire others toward a common goal. In the corporate world, leadership is a critical skill, helping managers guide teams, align resources, and achieve organizational objectives. But leadership is often misunderstood due to persistent myths. Knowing these myths—and seeing real-world examples—can help us develop true leadership abilities.

→ Download eBook: An L&D Manager’s Implementation Guide

To become a better leader, it's essential to separate fact from fiction. Many of us hold onto outdated or unrealistic ideas about what leadership truly means. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths that may be holding you back from reaching your leadership potential.

10 Common Myths About Leadership – With Examples

Each of these myths paints an incomplete picture of what it means to lead. By breaking them down and pairing them with real-world examples, we can uncover the truth—and build a more authentic, impactful leadership mindset

1. Leaders are born, not made

• Myth: Only those with natural charisma or confidence can lead.
• Reality: Most leaders develop their skills over time.
• Example: Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, wasn’t known as a natural-born leader early in his career. He worked his way up, learned from experiences, and embraced empathy as a leadership trait—transforming Microsoft’s culture and growth.
• Learning: Leadership is learned through experience, self-awareness, and feedback.

2. Leaders know everything

• Myth: Leaders must always have the right answers.
• Reality: Great leaders ask questions and seek input from others.
• Example: A project manager might not know the technical aspects of every feature in a software product. Instead, they rely on developers, UX designers, and testers to provide expertise, while they guide the overall direction and priorities.
• Learning: Effective leaders foster collaboration and empower their teams.

3. Leaders are infallible

• Myth: Leaders never make mistakes.
• Reality: Good leaders make mistakes—and learn from them.
• Example: Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, admitted that the company lost its way in the mid-2000s by focusing too much on rapid expansion. He returned, acknowledged the mistake, and helped refocus the brand on quality and customer experience.
• Learning: Admitting mistakes builds credibility and resilience.

4. Leaders only give orders

• Myth: Leadership is about telling others what to do.
• Reality: True leaders guide, support, and inspire action.
• Example: Rather than commanding his team, a sales director might share a challenging sales target, explain the vision behind it, and ask the team how they’d like to approach it. This involvement motivates the team to own the goal.
• Learning: Empowerment is more effective than authority.

5. Leaders are charismatic

• Myth: Only outgoing, dynamic people can lead.
• Reality: Leadership comes in all styles—introverts can be excellent leaders too.
• Example: Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is known for his quiet, calm, and steady approach—quite different from Steve Jobs’ dynamic presence. Yet Cook is a highly respected leader who has successfully steered Apple’s continued growth.
• Learning: Integrity, vision, and discipline matter more than showmanship.

An L&D Manager's Guide to Successful Planning & Implementation.

Learn:

• What Challenges do L&D Managers Face?
• How to Align Business and Project?
• How to be a Learning Consultancy?
• DOWNLOAD NOW!

Download eBook

6. Leaders have imposing personalities

• Myth: Leaders must be loud, bold, and commanding.
• Reality: Influence doesn’t require a dominating personality.
• Example: An HR manager might not have a commanding voice but gains trust by being approachable, consistent, and fair—qualities that make them a go-to leader in the workplace.
• Learning: Leadership is about earning respect, not demanding it.

7. Leadership comes with age

• Myth: You have to be older to be a leader.
• Reality: Leadership depends on maturity, not age.
• Example: At just 19, Malala Yousafzai became a global voice for education and women’s rights. In the corporate world, young entrepreneurs like Melanie Perkins (Canva co-founder) started leading impactful teams in their 20s.
• Learning: Leadership is about insight, not seniority.

8. Leaders possess absolute power

• Myth: Leaders can do whatever they want.
• Reality: True leaders operate within boundaries and use influence, not force.
• Example: A team leader may not have the power to approve budgets but earns trust through transparent communication and thoughtful decision-making. Their team follows them not because they have power, but because they lead with credibility.
• Learning: Real leadership inspires voluntary followership.

9. Leaders never delegate important work

• Myth: Delegation shows weakness or lack of control.
• Reality: Smart leaders delegate to empower others and manage their own time.
• Example: A marketing head might delegate campaign planning to a capable team member while focusing on strategy and stakeholder alignment. This builds future leaders and strengthens the team.
• Learning: Delegation is a strength, not a weakness.

10. Leadership can be attained solely through study

• Myth: Reading books and attending seminars is enough.
• Reality: Knowledge is valuable, but leadership is practiced.
• Example: You can read a dozen books on negotiation, but only by handling real conflicts—say, between two departments in a company—do you learn the nuance of leadership.
• Learning: Leadership is action-oriented. It’s built through doing, reflecting, and growing.

Final Thought

The real essence of leadership is not in being perfect, powerful, or popular—it’s in inspiring a shared vision, guiding collective effort, and nurturing others to grow. Dispelling these common myths brings us one step closer to becoming effective, authentic leaders.