Leadership is one of the most talked-about skills in business, yet also one of the most misunderstood. Too many managers buy into outdated myths that sabotage success and growth, leading to frustration and unnecessary struggles.

These myths have been passed down through bosses, so-called “gurus,” and even well-meaning mentors. They sound believable, but if you give them any real credence, they’ll derail your progress.

It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here are 10 leadership myths that are sabotaging your success — and the truths that will help you level up.

Myth 1: Leaders Are Born, Not Made

The Truth: Leadership is a skill anyone can develop with practice, feedback, and experience.

Why It Matters: No one is born with the ability to lead. It’s developed through life experiences. Believing this myth keeps people from stepping into leadership roles at all. You’ll make mistakes — but the best leaders are constantly learning to perfect their craft.

Myth 2: Leaders Must Have All the Answers

The Truth: Great leaders ask better questions and empower their teams to find solutions.

Why It Matters: You don’t have all the answers, and guess what… that’s OK. It takes guts to say, “I don’t know,” and it builds trust. Too many leaders bluff their way through questions, but when people realize you’re faking it, they stop asking for help. Real leaders empower their teams to find solutions.

Myth 3: Leadership Means Being Tough All the Time

The Truth: Empathy and vulnerability make you stronger, not weaker.

Why It Matters: Teams don’t rally behind someone who acts like a robot. When you show humanity, people connect with you — and connection drives performance.

Myth 4: Leadership Is About Authority, Not Influence

The Truth: Titles might grant authority, but real leadership comes from influence.

Why It Matters: Authority without trust creates resistance. Influence inspires buy-in. Think about any war movie where a lower-ranking soldier commands more respect than the officer in charge. People follow those they trust and respect — not titles.

Myth 5: Good Leaders Don’t Make Mistakes

The Truth: Every leader makes mistakes. What sets great leaders apart is owning them and learning from them.

Why It Matters: Covering up errors kills credibility. Owning mistakes builds psychological safety and shows your team it’s okay to take risks. When my team makes a mistake, we talk about it openly as a group — and I do the same with my own. That accountability builds trust and respect.

Myth 6: Leaders Should Always Be Available

The Truth: Setting boundaries isn’t selfish — it makes you more effective.

Why It Matters: A constantly “on-call” leader burns out and sets a toxic example. Working 80-hour weeks isn’t a badge of honor — it’s a fast track to burnout. By modeling balance, you encourage a healthier, more productive culture.

Myth 7: Leadership Is About Managing Tasks, Not People

The Truth: Leadership is first about people. Processes and tasks only succeed when your team does.

Why It Matters: A task-focused leader may hit deadlines but lose the team along the way. When you invest in people, results naturally follow.

Myth 8: Leaders Must Treat Everyone the Same

The Truth: Fairness doesn’t mean sameness. Each person has different strengths, motivations, and needs.

Why It Matters: Treating everyone identically ignores individuality. Adapting your style unleashes the full potential of each team member.

Myth 9: Leadership Is About Being Liked

The Truth: Respect is more important than popularity.

Why It Matters: Chasing approval makes you indecisive and weak. Leaders who focus on earning respect — even when it means making tough calls — build trust that lasts.

Myth 10: Leadership Is Only for Senior Positions

The Truth: Leadership can be demonstrated at every level, not just in the C-suite.

Why It Matters: Waiting for a title before leading wastes years of growth. Leadership is crafted through your life experiences. Start now, keep learning, and you’ll be ready when the bigger opportunities come.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t about outdated myths or empty slogans. It’s about influence, growth, and adaptability.

If you’ve believed one of these myths before, don’t worry — every leader has. The key is recognizing it and shifting your mindset. Small changes in how you lead can have a massive impact on your team and your career.

👉 Want a proven roadmap to fast-track your leadership journey? Download my free guide, The First 30 Days: Manager Survival Guide, and start building the foundation to thrive in your role.