A manager must always appear infallible and confident
As INC.com states, many people, including managers, believe that a leader must be unwavering, infallible and all-knowing, never showing any sign of weakness. This outdated idea has long been replaced by a more valuable trait: authenticity. A manager should show they are human, that they make mistakes, and that they are willing to listen to others' opinions. Only by doing this can they build the mutual trust which is essential for a successful team.
Leadership is business, nothing personal
Business is business, and work is work. There is nothing personal in it.
This is a belief some managers adopt so as to justify an authoritarian approach toward subordinates. However, employees spend a significant portion of their lives at work and many workplace interactions are deeply personal to them. Recognising and respecting employees' emotions is crucial. The fact that the workplace operates in a business environment does not grant managers a blank check to behave in an inappropriate, authoritarian or disrespectful manner.
I must always stand my ground
Many managers still believe that admitting a mistake or changing their stance would be a sign of weakness. However, when managers stubbornly stick to their opinions, even when subordinates present valid counter-arguments, they only damage trust within the team and waste the potential of their employees.
Some things must be done because that's the way it's always been
Many team processes continue out of sheer inertia. Some managers still rely on outdated leadership principles passed down for generations and refuse to change their approach simply because "this is how things have always been done." However, as times change and business demands evolve, continuous reassessment of leadership strategies is essential. The fact something has worked for the past twenty years does not necessarily mean it is still the best approach today.
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