5 Myths about Leadership for the Younger Generations

To the younger generations, you are owed an apology.

Based on what you’ve seen in the public eye and corporate America, the Boomers, Gen X, and even the Silent Generation, as a whole, have not provided the best examples of leadership. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some good ones – in fact, these generations have actually provided some great leaders. Unfortunately, the great ones have been overwhelmed and overshadowed by the rotten ones and it doesn’t look like we’re going to be able to turn it around anytime soon.

So, it looks like it’s up to you and your leadership to save the world. Since we’ve fallen short, I know it will be tempting to go it alone without any advice or help, but don’t do that. In the very least, learn from our mistakes.

With that said…

1. Leaders are not blamers.

A blamer is someone who blames everyone else except the one in the mirror. They are oblivious to the notion that pointing a finger at someone else means there are three of their own fingers pointing back at them. Blamers don’t understand the most fundamental leadership principle of being responsible for everything their team does and fails to do. They don’t understand the concept of “we”…only “they.” Blamers foster toxic relationships and cultures. Anyone come to mind?

2. Leaders are not windmills.

A windmill is someone whose opinion and stance are based on the direction of the biggest gust of wind at the moment. A windmill’s direction is not their own – they are swayed by temporary trends or the opinions of the crowd because they’re more concerned with what is beneficial to them than doing what they believe in. They follow the directional demands of others to gain power. They do not create and drive change, themselves. Instead, they are blown around by the winds of change. Anyone come to mind?

3. Leaders are not narcissists.

A narcissist is someone whose love of self is rivaled only by their feeling of superiority over everyone else. A narcissist violates the fundamental leadership traits of humility, and they fall in love with the sound of their own voice. Narcissists may hear the counsel of others, but they don’t listen to others because narcissists must be right rather than to determine what is right. As a result, they’re dismissive of others’ opinions and unwilling to admit their own mistakes. Further, narcissists don’t find value in collaboration. Anyone come to mind?

4. Leaders are not partisans.

A partisan is someone who refuses to think independently or act on the truth because they believe an allegiance to the truth is less important than an ideology. A partisan lacks courage to make difficult decisions that may be unpopular with their peers, those in charge, or those in their charge. A partisan is more influenced by public opinion and peer pressure than by their own morals and ethics. Anyone come to mind?

5. Leaders are not shirkers.

A shirker is someone who avoids the difficult and challenging responsibilities that come with the privileges they presume will exist in perpetuity. Instead, they take advantage of the privileges and perks and serve only their ego and immediate needs. Shirkers fail to set the example – they rely on others to do the dirty work that’s beneath them. They fail to recognize that their position is one of service to others over self. Shirkers are imposters. Anyone come to mind?

It’s safe to say that you are familiar with these types of people described above (it’s likely that some are very public figures). If you are reporting to “leaders” that display any of these characteristics, be patient and learn from the experience as an example of what not to do. Your time to lead people, organizations, communities, in the military and the country is coming. When that time comes, be ready and embrace the challenge.

Oh, and one other thing…Leaders don’t make excuses. Make America proud.

Call to Action: leadership is a skill set that must be taught, learned, and constantly honed. Find a mentor – a servant leader – to help shape your skill set.