Three people management myths that have been busted

There are still many myths about leadership and managing people that have long been busted and are now known to be untrue. Nevertheless, some people, especially more conservative ones, continue to believe them. What are these myths and why are they untrue? This article will explain.

Illustration

Leaders are born and management skills cannot be learnt

As Addicted2Succes.com states, this myth still quite often persists and unfortunately dissuades many people who do not feel they are leaders by nature from ever trying to become a manager.  The truth is, of course, that management skills can be learnt. And even those people who are so-called leaders by nature have to learn a lot of things so they are not too authoritarian and follow modern trends in management.

A leader must never show weakness in front of their subordinates

This view is based on some people's somewhat rigid understanding of leadership, namely the belief a leader must have absolute authority, know everything and never show there is something they do not know or that they have any weaknesses. However, this approach leads to wasted potential for the whole team. No one person knows everything best.

In aviation there is a concept called "crew resource management". A similar principle is used in the maritime industry under the name "bridge resource management". In both cases, the basic principles are that no one is infallible and communication is encouraged between the captain and other crew members. This approach has already prevented many unnecessary accidents and human errors. Keep these principles in mind in the day-to-day management of your team and don't be afraid to admit to subordinates you do not know or are unsure about something.

The primary (and often only) motivation for employees is money

While it is true that most of us probably would not do our jobs if we were not getting paid, it is a myth that money is the only motivating factor for an employee to perform well and stay with their employer. Individual motivation always contains multiple layers; factors often more important than money include things like praise, recognition, opportunity for development, or a deeper meaning to the work.

 

-mm-

Article source Addicted2Success - web focused on personal development and reaching success in business and life
Read more articles from Addicted2Success