Myths of Leadership

Dispel the Misconceptions and Become an Inspirational Leader

Jo Owen

• Publisher: Kogan Page
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN:
  9781398608276
• Edition: 2
• eBook ISBN:
  9781398608283
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Management
• Index: Business

The best leaders are born, not made. The best leaders are always in control. The best leaders are those with the highest IQs. But are they really?

The thinking about what makes the greatest leaders is increasingly muddled by stereotypes, false promises and pseudo-science. The best leaders rely on fact, not fads. Myths of Leadership blasts away the fluff and confronts false legends head on. Jo Owen uses the most credible research to analyze each myth, using international business case studies, leadership theory and insightful interviews, to uncover the truth.

This is a compelling examination of the most pervasive misconceptions about leadership that will help you elevate your own leadership abilities, better inspire your team and empower your organization by thinking differently. Entertaining and accessible Myths of Leadership throws out the management jargon and skewers over-hyped leadership trends to bring you the best practical tips you need to become a better leader.

About the Business Myths series...

The Business Myths series tackles the falsehoods that pervade the business world. From leadership and management to social media, strategy and the workplace, these accessible books overturn out-of-date assumptions, skewer stereotypes and put oft-repeated slogans to the test. Entertaining and rigorously researched, these books will equip you with the insight and no-nonsense wisdom you need to succeed.

Table of contents

• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Myth 1  We know what leadership is
• Myth 2  Leaders need to be perfect
• Myth 3  We have a theory about leadership
• Myth 4  Leadership is about your rank, title or position
• Myth 5  Managers are leaders
• Myth 6  The founder is the leader
• Myth 7  Leadership is universal
• Myth 8  We know what leaders do
• Myth 9  Leadership should be transformational: Charisma and an ability to inspire are key
• Myth 10  Leaders communicate well and motivate their followers
• Myth 11  Leaders are brave and decisive
• Myth 12  Leaders are visionary
• Myth 13  Leaders set goals and give directions
• Myth 14  Great leaders build great teams
• Myth 15  The leader is in control and knows what is going on
• Myth 16  Leaders are born, not bred
• Myth 17  Leaders are honest
• Myth 18  The best leaders are clever: They should be the smartest person in the room
• Myth 19  Male and female leaders are different
• Myth 20  Psychopaths succeed as leaders
• Myth 21  Leaders are reasonable
• Myth 22  The best leader is a skilled leader
• Myth 23  Leadership is about survival of the fittest
• Myth 24  It’s not what you know, it’s who you know
• Myth 25  Power comes from your position
• Myth 26  Leaders need experience, particularly in management
• Myth 27  The first 90 days are make or break
• Myth 28  You can teach leadership
• Myth 29  Leaders know when to move on
• Myth 30  It’s tough at the top
• Myth 31  The buck stops here
• Myth 32  It’s lonely at the top
• Myth 33  The leader makes a difference
• Myth 34  Money matters for leadership
• Myth 35  Leaders are popular role models
• Index