Reality Check: Signs of Strong Leaders...and Weak Ones

  PM Network  

As disheartening as it might be to admit, weak leadership is far more pervasive than strong leadership. To get at the weak spot, it helps to examine the common myths about what it takes to be an effective leader:

THE MYTH: It’s better to sit on the fence than make a decision someone won’t like.

THE REALITY: Make decisions that support the business but tap into the intellectual capital of the team to help ensure the best outcome.

THE MYTH: Worry more about mistakes made than the people who made them.

THE REALITY: Caring more about the individuals involved will build loyalty and lay the groundwork for a stronger team.

THE MYTH: In a world of facts and figures, following your instincts is old school.

THE REALITY: Instincts are every bit as powerful today as they ever were. Problems fester when you don’t listen to your gut.

THE MYTH: Complaining is good—it shows you care.

THE REALITY: Complaining is negative energy and wasteful, unless the person doing all the grumbling either directly informs the person who can solve the problem or brings a solution.

THE MYTH: Escalating an issue over someone’s head is bad business.

THE REALITY: Escalations are healthy and an essential tool to ensure the best business decisions are being made as soon as possible.

THE MYTH: Integrity and ethics are mostly for “wusses…

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