Leading with Passion Series - 3 Leadership Myths and Truths

by Jessica Biel, SMPS Seattle President, Perkins+Will

Leaders and leaders in training are all around us...potentially even yourself. Don't be swayed by myths and learn the truth from some of the most notorious leaders.

Myth: The best leaders are extroverts.

Truth: The definition of introvert is not a shy person and the definition of extrovert is not an outgoing person. The difference between extroverts and introverts is how they recharge their brain. Introverts recharge by spending time alone and extroverts recharge by being social. There is no concrete study that says one or the other makes a better leader. Good leaders - whether introvert or extrovert - do understand how they need to recharge and do it regularly to avoid burnout.

Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, one of the world's largest SOCIAL networks in the world, is an introvert. "He is shy and introverted and he often does not seem very warm to people who don't know him, but he is warm," Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg told the New York Times. "He really cares about the people who work here." Zuckerberg, a great leader, has passion, a sense of purpose, empowers his people, and surrounds himself with valuable partnership such as Sheryl Sandberg.

Myth: Great leaders are born with it. It can't be learned.

Truth: Some people strive to be in leadership roles but that doesn't make them great leaders. Great leadership is learned and practiced over a lifetime. It can be self-motivated or encouraged by other successful leaders.

Sully Sullenberger, captain of US Airways Flight 1549 who pulled off "the Miracle on the Hudson" by landing safely on the Hudson River in 208 seconds with no loss of life, credits his success to experience, training and preparation. Today Captain Sullenberger speaks to others about this event and his approach to leadership. He believes you must "master your craft AND master yourself" to be a great leader.

Myth: You must be in the C-suite or a principal to be a leader. 

Truth: Today's organizations are not the same as in the past. Not all companies have hierarchal organization charts and we work in teams potentially spread all over the world. A leader may not even have any direct reports. Being a leader is about how you conduct yourself and inspire others with your actions and thoughts.

Einstein is a great example. He never headed up a traditional organization but his thought leadership, passion, and legacy still inspires people today.

This "Leading with Passion" series will continue with tips on how to awaken your inner leader and practice your everyday leadership skills. Have a topic you'd like covered under leadership? Let me know by commenting below.

Until next time.

Cheers, Jessica