7 Leadership Myths That Deserve to Be Busted
Why True Leadership is More About Presence than Position.
By Angel L. Santiago
When you think of leadership, you probably think of being in charge, making decisions, and giving orders. In this traditional view, a leader is often seen as the person at the top—the one with authority, influence, and the power to guide others toward a goal.
But leadership is often misunderstood. We glorify the loudest voices, the most confident postures, and the polished perfection of those at the top. Yet real leadership rarely looks like the highlight reel we see in business books or LinkedIn posts.
The truth is, some of the most powerful leaders don’t command the room—they hold space for others in it. They don’t have all the answers—they ask the right questions. They don’t strive to be perfect—they show up with purpose.
When you take a deeper look, you’ll see that leadership is more about serving, empowering, and elevating others. But this more evolved view isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind.
Leadership myths are everywhere, and busting them opens the door for more authentic leadership. Here are seven of the most common misconceptions—and the truth that sets leaders free.
1. “Leaders are born, not made.”
Myth: Leadership is a natural talent—you either have it or you don’t.
Truth: Leadership is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and refined. Many great leaders were shaped through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth.
“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.”
— Vince Lombardi
2. “Leaders must have all the answers.”
Myth: A good leader always knows what to do and never shows doubt.
Truth: The best leaders ask great questions, listen deeply, and collaborate. They empower others—and they aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.”
“Great leaders know they don’t have all the answers. Rather, they build a team of people who either know the answers or will find them.”
— Jon Gordon
3. “Good leaders never show vulnerability.”
Myth: Leaders must be tough and hide their emotions to maintain authority.
Truth: Vulnerability builds trust. When leaders are honest about their challenges, they create psychological safety and authenticity within their teams.
“The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing; it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.”
— Brené Brown
4. “Leadership is about being in charge.”
Myth: You’re only a leader if you’re at the top of the hierarchy.
Truth: Leadership is influence, not a job title. Anyone can lead by example, inspire others, and drive positive change—regardless of their role.
“Leadership is not a rank, it is a responsibility. Leadership is not about being in charge; it is about taking care of those in your charge.”
— Simon Sinek
5. “Strong leaders never change their minds.”
Myth: Changing your stance is a sign of weakness or indecisiveness.
Truth: Flexibility and adaptability are key leadership strengths. Growth often requires the courage to change direction when new insights arise.
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
— George Bernard Shaw
6. “Leaders must be extroverted.”
Myth: Quiet or introverted people can’t be inspiring leaders.
Truth: Introverts bring deep thinking, active listening, and empathy to leadership—often making them highly effective and trusted.
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
— Ronald Reagan
7. “A good leader is always ‘on.’”
Myth: Leaders can’t rest, slow down, or unplug—they have to hustle 24/7.
Truth: Sustainable leadership includes rest, reflection, and boundaries. Leaders who care for themselves model healthy behavior for others—and avoid burnout.
“Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have.”
— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Redefining Leadership
Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about breaking the mold—so others feel free to do the same. It’s about embodying integrity, service, and authenticity.
When we release the myths, we reclaim what leadership was always meant to be: human. At its core, leadership is really about influence, service, and creating the conditions for others to thrive. True leadership isn’t about titles, authority, or giving orders. It’s about who you are and how you show up for others.
It’s about:
Setting a vision and inspiring others to believe in it
Serving the people you lead by supporting their growth—not just managing their work.
Taking responsibility for more than just your own success—caring for the well-being and development of your team, organization, or community.
Listening deeply and making people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Modeling integrity, humility, and resilience—being the example others want to follow.
Empowering others to lead themselves—not creating dependency.
In short, leadership is about lifting others up, not lifting yourself up. Real leaders cultivate trust, create opportunities, and lead with purpose and heart—even when no one is watching.
If you’re ready to cultivate a new kind of leadership—in your business, your team, or your life—I’d love to support you. Whether you’re looking for coaching, consulting, or leadership development for your organization, let’s connect and explore how I can help you lead with greater purpose, clarity, and impact.
Angel L. Santiago
#LifeCoachAngel
210.239.3435
https://solo.to/lifecoachangel
