Leadership Lies We Need To Unlearn

Author: Raatha Ganesh, Head of Partnerships at Black Dog Consultants

They told us what leadership should look like. Stand tall. Speak loud. Always know the answer. Lead from the front.

They got it wrong.

What if the best leaders don’t always lead the charge? What if quiet beats loud? What if making people uncomfortable is sometimes the kindest thing a leader can do?

Raatha, our Head of Partnerships, has been digging into the leadership lessons we’ve all been fed.

Some don’t hold up. Some need rewriting. Some need throwing out altogether.

So, let’s do that. Let’s unlearn a few things.

“The best leaders always lead from the front.”

• Actually, the best leaders know when to step back and let others take the lead.

“Only extroverts can inspire teams.”

• Think again—quiet, thoughtful leadership often inspires on a deeper level.

“Consensus is the mark of strong leadership.”

• Not always—bold decisions often require breaking from the pack.

“Professional distance builds respect.”

• True respect often comes from building genuine, personal connections.

“If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

• But what if breaking it leads to innovation?

“Resilient leaders don’t show cracks.”

• The cracks are where the light gets in - and where trust is built.

“Transparency is always the right choice.”

• Except when selective transparency protects morale and trust.

“Fairness equals respect.”

• Sometimes, tough and unpopular decisions earn more respect than fairness.

“Leadership is a long-term game.”

• But short-term, situational leadership can drive massive impact too.

“Recognition should be public, criticism private.”

• That’s true—except when it isn’t. Context matters more than the rule.

“Leaders must always stay calm.”

• Some of the most powerful moments come when leaders show raw emotion.

“It’s a leader’s job to develop their people.”

• Actually, great leaders empower people to own their own growth.

What You Had to Say

We took to LinkedIn to ask our community: What leadership lies have you had to unlearn? The biggest result “That only extroverts can inspire teams…”

Deborah shared: “The biggest lie? That ‘only extroverts inspire teams.’ A 2022 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology showed that communication, not extroversion, is the key driver of leadership effectiveness.”

Dr. Maxine added: “The belief that consensus equals strong leadership is a dangerous myth. True leadership requires the courage to make tough decisions—sometimes against the majority. As Steve Jobs said, ‘People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.’”

Linmin reflected: “Leadership isn’t about showcasing personality; it’s about fostering collaboration. Introverts can inspire teams—sometimes even more effectively than extroverts.”

So, which of these leadership myths have you had to unlearn the hard way?

If you’re done with the outdated leadership playbook and ready to lead for the future -not the past—let’s talk. 

At Black Dog Consultants, we challenge old norms and work with leaders who think differently, act boldly and create real impact.

Ready to shake things up? Reach out and let’s make it happen.

About Raatha
As a certified organisational coach, emotional intelligence master practitioner and positive mental health instructor, Raatha's passion lies in empowering leaders and teams to unlock their full potential through growth, inclusion and well-being. Unwaveringly authentic and deeply human, Raatha’s approach leaves a ripple effect of positive change wherever she goes. She strives to leave people better than she found them, igniting their drive to achieve greatness.

Connect with her on LinkedIn or contact her on our website.