Myths of Leadership

From past 30 days I am working in a government organisation. Here, I meet a large number of people daily. They have their own problems and methods of dealing with them. I also meet the supervisors/leaders of the different departments. After meeting, so many people for so many days, I came to a point that there are certain myths which people have on leadership.

Myth 1- Leaders are dominating. So, one who dominates more becomes a better leader.

Reality- Leaders are pleasing. They are like energizers. Whenever, you see them you get a positive energy which motivates you to perform efficiently. If you get an ill feeling while working under your boss then he or she is not a leader for sure.

Myth 2- Leaders give orders.

Reality- Leaders give suggestions. They never meddle in others work. They only monitor the work and give their suggestions to improve it. A leader has to learn to give powerful suggestions not orders.

Myth 3- Leaders shout too much else no one listens to them.

Reality- Leaders persuade to get things done. Donkey and Dog both make tremendous noise but that does not make them a leader among other animals. When you persuade people you give them valid reason(s) to follow you. In my observation, people follow the right person automatically. You don’t need to force yourself on anyone.

Myth 4- Leaders are highly intelligent people.

Reality- To become a leader you don’t need to be highly intelligent. A great leader of history Changez Khan- was an illiterate. He didn't know to read and write. To become a leader you only need to have an ability to understand the feelings of others. What people want and how you can help them is the center of focus for a leader.

Myth 5- Leaders have strong Luck.

Reality- Bullshit!!! Leaders make their own destiny. I don’t deny that luck factor does not exist in any success. But, people succeed in life not just because of luck. They succeed because of discipline, direction, determination and dedication they have for their goal. Many leaders lived a very misfortunate life. They received lots of embarrassment, criticism, danger and risk. Some of them even lost their family. Their life was not easy. They managed their failures properly and kept on persisting towards their aim.