In last week’s post, we touched on a number of lies that we are led to believe as leaders. Today, I’d like to address a few more that may surface in your mind in your role as a leader.

Living Above the Lies of Leadership

• “I don’t need to listen effectively to lead.” Leading starts with listening. You need to listen to your team to build relationships as well as find ways you can improve. Listening is a key way to illustrate value to others.

• “I enable people when I make all the decisions.” Creating dependence does not enable anyone. In fact it will limit the organization or team. Push to have your team problem solve and think for themselves. All of us, are always smarter than any one of us!

• “People love it when I tweak their work.” No one likes a micro-manager; allow people to learn with instruction, but then give them the freedom to do their work.

• “People will trust me if I show my face every now and then.” Your team needs to see you on a consistent basis. If they rarely see you, how can they get to know you and trust you? Be there for them offering encouragement and praise as often as possible. Become a presence they look forward to seeing.

• “If I pay people enough they will enjoy their work.” Money can’t buy happiness. If people do not feel fulfilled and appreciated in their work, it doesn’t matter what the paycheck looks like at the end of the day.

• “I know how people are feeling about my leadership.” Often times, people will not share their true opinions unless you ask. Seek honest feedback and then implement ways to grow from it. If you don’t at first receive areas to improve upon, ask again!

• “People don’t need encouragement, as I never had it growing up.” The best thing you can do is be an encourager to the people around you, including your team and your family. Everyone appreciates encouragement!

• “We are good enough.” When you stop forging ahead to become better, you open the door to your competition taking over.

The world may try to sell you on these lies, but you need to commit today to putting them to rest. Embrace the truth found in servant leadership and when in doubt, turn to see how Jesus would respond. Your effectiveness and purpose are hinged to you living a life of fullness; don’t let lies steal those from you or inhibit you from being the leader God has called you to be.

What is the most common lie you see leaders telling themselves? What is one that you are working to live beyond?

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13