Power Of We Consulting Discusses Three Leadership Myths That Ruin Trust

American's trust in government and business continues to falter, often at 40 percent or less according to Brookings, Pew, and others. Similar studies show that distrust is tied to deceptive and dishonest leaders, leaders who rely on myths to create a mantle of leadership. According to Steve Carney of Power Of We Consulting, there are three important leadership myths that cause distrust:

1. It is often said that leadership is about delegation. Telling others what to do reflects a more authoritarian, power-based approach - leadership is not really defined by delegation.

2. Many espouse that leadership is "Bold and decisive action." Cutting in front of another car might seem bold and decisive - it is also reckless and shows poor judgment.

3. Executives and officials often claim, "I didn't know about it," posing as victims to avoid accountability. That is not leadership either.

These statements are common among government and business executives, says Carney. They reflect a cafeteria-style approach to leadership where they choose the things they like (power, glory, status), and ignore the qualities they don't (performance, responsibility, accountability).

Defining a True Leader

According to Carney, management and workplace expert, a true leader is a team player who inspires excellence in achieving a mission or goal for their teams, customers, or citizens - the common good. True leaders use persuasion rather than domination; they plan strategically and exercise good judgment; they empower others and recognize their teams' contributions; they manage complexity and stay connected to what's going on; and they rely on facts and information rather than beliefs. "True leaders lead with honesty and integrity; they are responsible for their decisions and accountable for their actions; they encourage and motivate rather than devalue and demean; they lead by example and avoid deception, manipulation, and scapegoating because they are committed to high standards for leadership.

"If these standards are applied to leaders today, many will fail to meet them," said Carney. "Instead of relying on their performance, these pseudo-leaders use public relations for their simplistic slogans and contrived images of leadership. Authentic leaders don't need the contrived PR that's common today, especially in politics, where serving the common good is often secondary to winning and controlling power."

When a leader uses delegation as an expression of power, when he or she makes bold but reckless and costly decisions, when a leader claims credit if things go well but avoids accountability when things go awry, he or she is not demonstrating leadership.

Carney added, "These myths of leadership demonstrate arrogance, incompetence, and cowardice. They demean the high standards of leadership for personal gain, eroding the trust and common good the leader is supposed to serve. Any true leader needs to place the common good ahead of their personal gain. The public should look beyond the manipulative advertising and PR to more substantial sources such as newspapers and magazines, and demand greater performance and accountability from the nation's 'leaders.'"

     
   Owner
   Power of We Consulting
   Denver,    CO,    80221
   USA
   (303) 650-0100 (phone)
   steve@powerofwe.com