10 Lies Leaders Believe

It's easy to get caught up in the power of a leadership position. But it's important to maintain a truthful view of yourself and to not become inflated. Look out for these 10 lies that leaders often believe. 

1. I am irreplaceable!

Most leaders believe they are irreplaceable – but in reality, 30 days after they are dead, the organization will be running just fine.

2. Those around me are telling me the truth!

Note to self – they are not. Most team members lower the volume from what they feel to what they share with you.

3. My worth is determined by my success!

Hard to resist this one, but eventually you will age out or be pushed out of your leadership role. God determines your worth; your position and success don’t.

4. I know better than everyone else – that’s why I am the boss!

The often heard phrase still stands – none of us is as smart as all of us.

5. My success of the past guarantees my success in the present!

As Marshall Goldsmith said – what got you here won’t get you there. Past successes have a short shelf life.

6. I could see my blind spots if I had any!

Here is a profound note – you do have them, and so do I. This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us to look at ourselves with “sober judgement.”

7. I am as good as everyone tells me I am!

Nope. Not really. You may be talented, and you may be well liked, but when you are in a leadership role, people have a habit of telling you what you want to hear.

8. If everyone doesn’t like me, something is wrong!

In reality, something is very wrong if everyone does like you. Leadership isn’t about being liked; it’s about doing the right thing. In Luke 6:26, Jesus reminds us, “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you.”

9. I am entitled to special treatment – after all, I am the leader!

You may be the leader, and you may be worthy of greater benefits because of your talents, but entitlement can take you down a road of more, more, more . . . a road with no end.

10. Power can corrupt others, but not me!

In reality, the more power you acquire, the more you tend to become selfish and abusive. Dacher Keltner provides four antidotes: graciousness, empathy, gratitude, and generosity.

 Keep lies far from me. Proverbs 30:8

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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.