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This is how I thought leadership worked:
– Leaders always strive for alignment
– Leaders stand their ground, no matter what
– Leaders seize every opportunity
– Leaders gathered all the data before making decisions
– Leaders know all the answers
But I was wrong.
"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
Leadership isn’t as straightforward as I would have hoped.
Over the years, I’ve been surprised when something I believed to be true… when it actually worked quite the opposite way.
Here are 10 things I’ve learned about leadership that are completely flipped from what I used to think:
1. Consensus limits, debate expands.
2. Sticking to a plan kills success, adaption allows growth.
3. Say “No” far more often than “Yes.” Focus maximizes your impact.
4. Fast decisions will always beat perfect ones (unless safety is involved).
5. Good questions have more influence than great answers.
6. You rise by lifting others.
7. Being clear is kind – hard conversations strengthen relationships.
8. Everyone adds. Delete, streamline and stop to maintain momentum.
9. Being honest about your weakness, shows strength.
10. Identifying the real problem is more important than quickly solving the first one you see.
Why did I have the wrong understanding in the first place?
I don’t know for sure… but I believe we have learned so much more about how people work, how the brain works in the last 15 years. This literally changes how we understand leadership.
When I dig into brain science & reflecting on my own experience… I now understand why each of these is true.
Tell me… which of these would you like to hear more about?
Just hit reply – and share your pick!
