Common Leadership Myths by Mark Wager

Common Leadership Myths

By Mark Wager

Many people aspire to be leaders, while others find themselves thrust into leadership roles unexpectedly. But is leadership what we think it is? Throughout my career as a Leadership coach, I’ve encountered a wide array of misconceptions that hinder leaders from reaching their full potential. The truth is, leadership is often misunderstood. To be an effective leader, it’s critical to separate fact from fiction and confront the myths that cloud our understanding of what leadership truly entails.

Myth: Leadership is glamorous.

There is a perception that leadership is all about prestige, recognition, and power. It’s easy to see why, as leaders often hold prominent positions and make important decisions that shape organisations and lives. However, the reality is far less glamorous. Leadership is not about standing in the spotlight, but rather about standing in the trenches with your team.

One of the greatest challenges I observe in my coaching work is the need for leaders to make tough, often unpopular decisions. There will be moments when a leader has to prioritise the needs of the team or organisation over personal comfort or desires. Leadership means taking responsibility for outcomes—whether good or bad—and being accountable not just to yourself, but to those you lead.

I’ve coached leaders who were shocked at how lonely leadership can be. When times get tough, the leader is the one who must face difficult choices, often without immediate support. It’s easy to think leadership is glamorous when all is going well, but true leadership is tested in moments of crisis. The real test comes when a leader has to make hard decisions that serve the greater good, even when it comes at a personal cost.

Myth: Leaders are born, not made.

This myth has endured for far too long. The idea that some people are “born leaders” suggests that leadership is an innate quality—a trait that some are gifted with and others are not. As a Leadership coach, I can assure you this is not the case.

Leadership is a set of behaviours, skills, and attitudes that can be learned and developed over time. Certainly, some people may have natural inclinations that make them more suited to leadership roles—such as confidence, charisma, or decisiveness—but these qualities alone do not make someone an effective leader.

I’ve worked with many individuals who initially doubted their leadership potential because they didn’t fit the traditional mould of what a leader is “supposed” to be. With the right coaching and mindset, they transformed into strong, capable leaders. Leadership development is a continuous journey, and it’s what you do—how you develop your skills, adapt to challenges, and reflect on your growth—that determines your success as a leader.

Myth: You have to be loud and extroverted to become a leader.

This is a common misconception that causes many people—especially introverts—to shy away from leadership roles. People often assume that leaders need to be extroverted, commanding attention in every room they walk into. However, leadership comes in many forms, and being loud or extroverted is not a prerequisite for success.

In fact, some of the most effective leaders I’ve coached are introverted by nature. These leaders may not be the most vocal in a meeting, but they excel in listening, observing, and reflecting—qualities that are essential for thoughtful decision-making. The key to leadership isn’t about conforming to a particular style; it’s about understanding who you are and leveraging your strengths in a way that inspires others.

During my coaching sessions with emerging leaders, I emphasise that leadership is about authenticity. It’s not about trying to fit into a preconceived notion of what a leader “should” be, but rather about recognising your own strengths and areas for growth. Everyone has the potential to be an effective leader, but each person’s leadership style is unique.

Myth: Leadership and management are the same.

This is one of the most pervasive myths in the world of business. Many people use the terms “leadership” and “management” interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference is critical for anyone looking to be a successful leader.

Management is about processes, systems, and control. It involves ensuring that tasks are completed, deadlines are met, and resources are allocated efficiently. Leadership, on the other hand, is about influence. It’s about inspiring people, creating a vision, and guiding a team toward achieving a common goal.

In my coaching practice, I work with many individuals who are excellent managers but struggle with leadership. They excel at organising and directing resources, but they haven’t yet developed the skills to inspire and influence their teams effectively. Leadership requires a different mindset—one that focuses on building relationships, fostering trust, and motivating people to achieve their full potential.

Myth: Leaders know all the answers.

If you believe that leaders are expected to have all the answers, you’re setting yourself up for failure. One of the first things I tell the leaders I coach is that admitting you don’t know something is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Leaders who try to solve every problem on their own not only burn themselves out, but they also deprive their teams of the opportunity to grow and contribute.

A true leader recognises the collective wisdom of the team. By creating an environment where people feel empowered to share their ideas and collaborate, leaders can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that they may not have on their own.

In my work, I help leaders understand that their role is not to be the sole source of answers, but rather to create a culture of learning and innovation. By fostering open communication and encouraging collaboration, leaders can guide their teams to find solutions together.

Myth: Leaders must distance themselves from their teams.

This myth stems from the outdated belief that leaders need to maintain an air of authority by keeping a certain distance from their teams. While it’s true that leaders need to maintain professionalism and set boundaries, this doesn’t mean they should be unapproachable or disconnected.

In fact, one of the most important qualities of a successful leader is empathy. Leaders who build strong, trusting relationships with their teams are more likely to foster engagement, loyalty, and collaboration. I’ve worked with leaders who feared that being too close to their team would undermine their authority, but in reality, it’s the opposite. When leaders are approachable and genuinely care about their people, they create an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated.

Myth: Leadership is a position.

This final myth is perhaps the most important to dispel. Leadership is not about the title or position you hold—it’s about the influence you have on others. There are many people in positions of authority who are not effective leaders, and there are many people without formal titles who are natural leaders within their teams.

One of the core principles I teach in my coaching is that leadership exists at all levels of an organisation. You don’t need a title to lead. Whether you are at the top of the organisational chart or part of a team, you can exhibit leadership by taking initiative, inspiring others, and contributing to the success of the group.

Leadership is a journey of self-discovery.

Leadership, at its core, is about the search for truth. It’s about finding the truth within yourself, within your team, and within the challenges you face. The myths surrounding leadership often obscure this truth, making the journey more difficult than it needs to be.

As a Leadership coach, my role is to help leaders navigate through these myths and uncover the truths that will guide them toward becoming more effective, authentic, and inspiring leaders. By challenging these common misconceptions and embracing the reality of leadership, you will not only grow as a leader but also unlock the potential within yourself and those around you.

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Whether you’re looking to overcome self-doubt, empower your team, or refine your leadership strategy, I’m here to help. Contact me today to discuss how personalised coaching can unlock your potential and transform your leadership journey.