The study of leadership is full of paradoxes. Author George Barna highlights an interesting list of misperceptions about leadership in his book A Fish Out of Water. His four myths are as follows (paraphrased where not quoted):
1. Influence is not synonymous with leadership. "You can have influence with someone without leading him somewhere. A true leader has a much deeper impact."
2. "Leadership is not the same as management." Managers are charged with doing things right. "Leaders do the right thing, for the right reason, at the right time."
3. Leadership is not about control and power. "Great leaders empower and release rather than dictate and confine."
4. "Leadership is not a popularity contest." Many times leaders are in fact unpopular, because they encourage people to change. Popularity may come and go, but leadership principles remain.
Thanks to Mr. Barna for these insights. May they prove helpful to you, dear reader, on your leadership journey.
