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What are some misconceptions of what a great team leader is?

Home » Leadership » Becoming a Great Team Leader » What are some misconceptions of what a great team leader is?

Hollywood and popular culture have implanted a stereotype of a leader in our collective unconscious. Though this stereotype is based on some leadership truths, it has been taken to extremes that are misconceptions. In order to straighten the record, we should recognize that:

- Leaders are not born leaders: Anthony Jay said, �The only real training for leadership is leadership.� While you may be naturally charismatic or naturally bold, you are not a leader until you begin influencing people. You don�t have to come straight out of the mold or have the right genetics, you just need to learn to influence people.

- Leaders do have to stand on their own: While it�s true that leaders are out in front of their team, they are also constantly in communication with the team, building relationships and seeking feedback. Great team leaders seek out and respond to the opinions and advice of their team members.

- Leaders should be kind and tough: Often, leaders are either classified as the nice guy or the tough guy�motivating through kindness or through criticism and challenges. Great team leaders should do both, though. At times, you will need to challenge your team to improve their performance, but you also need to strive for good relationships with your team. Your team should be able to trust you and admire you as a person, not simply fear your discipline.

All of these misconceptions are based in some truth. There are characteristics that appear in most leaders. Leaders do need to lead the way, and leaders do need to be both kind and tough. But one needs to be careful not to misunderstand these leadership characteristics and forget the whole picture of a great team leader.

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