Myths of Leadership

The best leaders are born, not made. The best leaders are always in control. The best leaders are those with the highest IQs. But are they really?

The thinking about what makes the greatest leaders is increasingly muddled by stereotypes, false promises and pseudo-science. The best leaders rely on fact, not fads. Myths of Leadership blasts away the fluff and confronts false legends head on. Jo Owen uses the most credible research to analyze each myth, using international business case studies, leadership theory and insightful interviews, to uncover the truth.

This is a compelling examination of the most pervasive misconceptions about leadership that will help you elevate your own leadership abilities, better inspire your team and empower your organization by thinking differently. Entertaining and accessible Myths of Leadership throws out the management jargon and skewers over-hyped leadership trends to bring you the best practical tips you need to become a better leader.

About the Business Myths series...

The Business Myths series tackles the falsehoods that pervade the business world. From leadership and management to social media, strategy and the workplace, these accessible books overturn out-of-date assumptions, skewer stereotypes and put oft-repeated slogans to the test. Entertaining and rigorously researched, these books will equip you with the insight and no-nonsense wisdom you need to succeed.

• • Chapter - 00: Introduction;
• Section - ONE: We Know What Leadership Is;
• • Chapter - 01: Myth 1 - We Know What Leadership Is;
  • Chapter - 02: Myth 2 - The Perfect Leader;
  • Chapter - 03: Myth 3 - Leadership is About Your Rank, Title or Position;
  • Chapter - 04: Myth 4 - Managers are Leaders;
  • Chapter - 05: Myth 5 - Leaders Know What Leadership Is;
  • Chapter - 06: Myth 6 - The Founder is the Leader;
  • Chapter - 07: Myth 7 - Leadership is Universal;
• Section - TWO: We Know What Leaders Do;
• • Chapter - 08: Myth 8 - We Know What Leaders Do - Top Level Leaders;
  • Chapter - 09: Myth 9 - We Know What Leaders Do - Your Leadership Journey;
  • Chapter - 10: Myth 10 - Leaders Motivate their Followers;
  • Chapter - 11: Myth 11 - Leaders Communicate Well;
  • Chapter - 12: Myth 12 - Leaders are Decisive;
  • Chapter - 13: Myth 13 - Leaders Set Goals and Give Directions;
  • Chapter - 14: Myth 14 - Great Leaders Build Great Teams;
  • Chapter - 15: Myth 15 - The Leader Knows What's Going On;
• Section - THREE: We Know What Leaders are Like - Character and Traits;
• • Chapter - 16: Myth 16 - Leaders are Born, not Bred;
  • Chapter - 17: Myth 17 - Leaders are Visionary;
  • Chapter - 18: Myth 18 - Leaders are Charismatic and Inspirational;
  • Chapter - 19: Myth 19 - Leaders are Honest;
  • Chapter - 20: Myth 20 - Leaders are Brave;
  • Chapter - 21: Myth 21 - The Leader is the Smartest Person in the Room;
  • Chapter - 22: Myth 22 - The Best Leaders are Clever;
  • Chapter - 23: Myth 23 - Male and Female Leaders are Different;
  • Chapter - 24: Myth 24 - Psychopaths Succeed as Leaders;
  • Chapter - 25: Myth 25 - Leaders are Reasonable;
  • Chapter - 26: Myth 26 - An Effective Leader is a Skilled Leader;
• Section - FOUR: We Know How Leaders Succeed;
• • Chapter - 27: Myth 27 - Leaders Succeed on Merit;
  • Chapter - 28: Myth 28 - Leadership is About Survival of the Fittest;
  • Chapter - 29: Myth 29 - It's Not What You Know But Who You Know;
  • Chapter - 30: Myth 30 - Power Comes from Your Position;
  • Chapter - 31: Myth 31 - Leaders Need Experience;
  • Chapter - 32: Myth 32 - The First 90 Days;
  • Chapter - 33: Myth 33 - You Have to Manage Before You Can Lead;
  • Chapter - 34: Myth 34 - Sporting Heroes Show Us How to Lead;
  • Chapter - 35: Myth 35 - You Can Teach Leadership;
  • Chapter - 36: Myth 36 - Leaders Know When to Move On;
• Section - FIVE: We Have a Theory of Leadership;
• • Chapter - 37: Myth 37 - The Great Man Theory of Leadership;
  • Chapter - 38: Myth 38 - Servant Leadership;
  • Chapter - 39: M