3 things we get wrong about leadership
A client asked me a fascinating and provocative question this week.
He asked, “Vanessa, after working with so many leaders over the years, what are the top 3 things that people typically get wrong about leadership?”
Want to know how I responded?
Here is my list of the top 3 things that we get wrong about leadership:
As a leader, you should…
- Have all the right answers and solutions to any situation.
- Be successful if you follow the actions and behaviors of senior people in your organization.
- Intuitively know how to lead.
Let me elaborate…and explain why these assumptions are all incorrect!
1. You should have all the right answers and solutions to any situation.
Any leader who believes this concept is setting themselves up for failure. Leaders are put in new situations every day. How could you possibly have the “right answer” to solve a problem that you have never faced before?
Rather, you need to be full of curiosity and ask the right questions. You need to learn to leverage the brainpower and collective experiences of your team and your peers by asking them the right questions. Then you can choose the approach and answers that resonate for the most people.
2. You can be successful if you follow the actions and behaviors of senior people in your organization.
In reality, most senior leaders have never been taught how to lead effectively. These executives are just following the actions and behaviors of their leaders, who were never formally taught how to lead. Don’t pick up other people’s bad habits.
Rather, ensure that you find a mentor, coach, training program, book, or another resource to ensure that you discover how to lead in a way that is the most effective and authentic for you.
3. You should intuitively know how to lead.
This false assumption causes so much doubt and insecurity for leaders. Leadership is like a sport. You have to learn how to do it properly and then practice. Don’t ever think, “I am a bad leader” because you are currently struggling with certain aspects of your job.
Rather, get educated. Learn the essential tools that you can apply to enhance your leadership practice. Get clear on your weaknesses as a leader and find a way to close your gaps.
This is the year that I want YOU to be a better leader!
Don’t buy into any of these assumptions.
Chart your leadership path and invest the time and effort required to develop your leadership skills!
In other news…
Join me for the following events:
1. Lead Your People Program – starting February 17th, 2022.
If you need help developing your leadership skills, join for me this 6-module program where you will learn the “nuts and bolts” of leadership.
If you are hoping to move from feeling overwhelmed by all of your priorities to feeling confident and organized – this program will be a game-changer for you!
You can register and find out more here…
The early bird rate expires on January 31st, so register today.
Space is limited.
2. LinkedIn Live – Friday, January 28th at 12:00 pm EST.
Join me on Friday, January 28th at 12:00 pm EST.
I will be facilitating a live workshop on LinkedIn called “3 Proven Ways to Be a Powerful Leader.”
