Common myths surrounding management and leadership which we regularly uncover and challenge on our management training courses. They’re usually handed down like old wives tales and can become mental barriers to high performance.
#2: I’m too … to be a good Manager
Many Managers believe that there’s something about them that’s holding them back. Something that they can’t change about themselves. These are called ‘self-limiting beliefs’ and they can destroy the capabilities and confidence of potentially strong Managers.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that these are limited to Managers new to management either. These are some comments that we hear on management training courses at all levels:
“I’m always going to find it difficult because I’m too…
Young
Old
Black
Asian
White
Female
Male
Old school
Modernist
Under-educated
Over-educated
Intelligent
Funny
Quiet
Northern
Southern
Gay
Straight
Single
Committed
Welsh
Scottish
English
Disinterested in sport
Good at other things
Different
… to be a good Manager.
It can be sad to hear when people write themselves off when they have so much going for them.
Of course, it often feels like there are real reasons why we’re going to find things more challenging than we might otherwise. But in those situations we need to realise that by giving ourselves a ‘reason’, we give ourselves an excuse and forget to realise that there’s always a challenge. Particularly in the role of management.
Management and leadership is about taking responsibility. It’s your job to be the one they look up to now. Develop your skills of management and leadership and none of the above matters.
When you’re delivering results it’s amazing how little people care about those other factors. And even more amazing how people can begin to embrace you for them.
Challenge this myth:
Leadership Skills Development
Effective Communication Skills
Organisational Leadership Skills
