5 Leadership Myths Holding You Back

It's so easy to think great leaders have all the answers, never make mistakes, and are just born with “it.”

But the more I’ve learned (and failed), the more I’ve realized that such a statement couldn't be further from the truth.

Leadership is learned, not just given—and the best leaders grow by questioning the very myths they've been told.

Here are 5 myths we're busting today.

"Leaders Are Born, Not Made."

Leadership isn't an innate trait that either you're blessed with or aren't. Leaders are developed through experience, learning, and intentional growth.

How to Improve Today: Pick one leadership book, podcast, or mentor to learn from this week. Growth starts with intentional learning.

Side note: Think about it—when you cook a new recipe, go on a hike, or plan a trip, do you always know exactly how things will turn out?

Yet, you still do it.

You adjust the seasoning as you go, navigate unexpected trails, and tweak your itinerary along the way.

Leadership works the same way. You don’t need to have all the answers before you start—you just need to take action, learn, and adapt. That muscle is already there, and like any other muscle, it can be strengthed.

It isn’t about having a perfect plan—it’s about moving forward, despite all the pieces not being perfectly in place.

Hiker stands on rock by clear lake, surrounded by rocky shore and majestic mountains under a clear blue sky. — *Grand Teton National Park*

"A Good Leader Must Always Have the Answers and Never Show Weakness."

The best leaders ask the right questions, listen actively, and empower others to contribute ideas. It isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about fostering a culture where the answers emerge.

Plus, showing vulnerability and admitting mistakes builds trust, connection, and credibility with your team.

How to Improve Today: Instead of giving an answer, ask, "What do you think?" This shifts leadership from control to collaboration.

"Leadership Is About Being in Charge."

Leadership isn't a title. It’s about service. Leaders don’t demand respect. They earn it by lifting others up, creating opportunities, and fostering growth.

How to Improve Today: Find one way to serve your team today—mentor, support, or simply recognize their efforts.

"The Best Leaders Work the Hardest."

Hard work matters, but leadership is about working smarter, delegating effectively, and building systems that create sustainable success.

It isn't a badge of honor to be the "busiest" person at the office. If you're running in circles, you're not progressing forward.

How to Improve Today: Identify one task you can delegate or automate. Leadership is about leveraging strengths, not doing it all yourself.

"Leaders Must Be Extroverted."

You may have thought only outgoing people make great leaders, but that's not the case. Both introverts and extroverts can excel at deep thinking, listening, and connection.

Who's willing to put in the work?

How to Improve Today: Leverage your natural strengths—whether it’s thoughtful decision-making, quiet confidence, or leading by example—and lean into them.

Start recognizing the areas where you naturally excel and intentionally develop them. The more you refine what already sets you apart, the more impactful your leadership becomes.

4 Comments

Guest

Apr 15

Love the post! Point number 3 spoke to me the most. Many times I have felt that the leaders around me lost the respect of there employees because they didn’t give them the chance to step up or they simply weren’t humble enough to allow them to do the task a different or unique way.

Mary

3 days ago

Replying to

Thank you for your comments here! I'm glad that #3 resonated with you on leadership being about service more than it is about a title. You bring up a really interesting point in that leaders actually damage their own relationships with team members when they don't exercise the humility to listen to their direct reports. Many good ideas are lost because of arrogance. It begs the question, "How do we remain in a growth mindset recognizing that everyone has something to teach us?" We appreciate your contribution to the thread here!

Katie Ray

Apr 07

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This article is a refreshing take on leadership! It's encouraging to see the myths around leadership being debunked. The idea that leaders are made, not born, resonates deeply. Continuous learning and growth are indeed the keys to effective leadership.

I also appreciate the emphasis on vulnerability and collaboration. Asking the right questions and empowering others truly fosters a positive and productive environment. It's not about having all the answers but about creating a space where the best ideas can emerge. Showing vulnerability and admitting mistakes can build trust and credibility with your team, making them feel more connected and valued.

Lastly, working smarter, not just harder, and leveraging strengths is crucial for sustainable success. It's not a badge of honor…

Thank you, Katie, for your comments here! You're exactly right. Continuous improvement is essential to developing our skills in effective leadership. We don’t automatically know how to do everything—and that’s okay. I find that incredibly encouraging actually. Having a growth mindset makes it okay not to have all the answers, because it means we’re open to learning and evolving.