Myths About Leadership

Many people think of leadership as a trait that you can be born with Many people think of leadership as a trait that you can be born with. Research proves that leadership is a state rather than a trait. This means people can acquire the skills of leadership. In order to acquire the skills of leadership you must understand the myths.

#1: Only Popular People are Leaders Some elections are won by popular people, but that does not make them leaders. Anyone who organizes people to meet is a leader. Competent and caring leaders will become popular with the people that they work with.

#2: Leaders are Chosen or Elected Democratic Society selects leaders by vote, however, leaders are often self-selected. Not everyone can be president of the club, but skilled and capable members can choose to lead as well. The chosen leader may begin the task, but it is the members of the group working together in their own leadership roles that make an event successful.

#3: You Must Have a Formal Position To Be a Leader One can be a leader without having a formal position. There are 5 types of power that an individual may possess: Legitimate power is power that an individual has because of a formal position. Expert power is a force that one has because he or she has special information, knowledge, or skills that are useful to a group. Coercive power is the ability to do something because of physical strength or persuasive argument. Reward power is based on the ability to reward or punish someone for doing or refusing to do what you want. Referent power is the influence you have over others because they identify with you as a person. They follow you because of your personal characteristics.

#4: You Must Be a Great Motivator of Other People to Be a Good Leader You must understand the concepts of motivation and be able to encourage other people. However, You are much more effective as a person who helps others and gets other to help them achieve goals.

#5: A Leader Only Represents the Wishes of Those He or She Leads Good leaders know and understand the desires and needs of those they lead. A leader can transform followers through education and persuasion. Strong leaders are able to set goals for the followers and have them accomplished.

#6: Leaders are Born, Not Made Some people have the charisma, intelligence and attractiveness that brings them to the attention of others. They must then package their skills to become effective leaders. Leaders come from different backgrounds, have different skills, and personalities, and become leaders for different reasons. Leadership requires awareness and skills, which is something anyone can develop.