There’s a fine line between effective leadership and pointless bureaucracy.
True leaders know what rules are worth adhering to, and which ones are just a waste of time.
While some rules provide structure and guidance, others only serve to stifle innovation and progress. Real leaders are adept at distinguishing between the two.
In this article, I’ll share with you eight dumb rules that real leaders don’t waste time following. Stay tuned, you might be surprised at what’s on the list.
1) “Always stick to the plan”
In the world of leadership, flexibility is key.
Sticking religiously to a plan, no matter how meticulously it was put together, can sometimes do more harm than good.
Real leaders understand that plans are dynamic, not static. They know that circumstances and variables can change at a moment’s notice, and that it’s critical to adapt accordingly.
The rule “always stick to the plan” is one that real leaders don’t waste time following. They know there’s a balance between following a strategic course and being responsive to changing conditions.
They also understand that sometimes, unexpected opportunities arise when plans go off track, and they’re not afraid to seize those opportunities when they come.
So, if you’re a leader who’s always sticking to the plan come hell or high water, you might need to rethink your strategy.
2) “Avoid showing vulnerability”
Throughout my leadership journey, I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a strength.
The old-school rule “avoid showing vulnerability” is one that real leaders like myself no longer follow. The notion that leaders should always appear infallible and unaffected is outdated and counterproductive.
I remember a time when I made a significant mistake in a project. Instead of hiding it or brushing it under the carpet, I admitted it to my team. I was open about my error, shared what I learned from it, and how we could avoid such mishaps in the future.
To my surprise, this didn’t undermine my authority. Rather, it boosted my team’s respect for me. They appreciated my honesty and the fact that I treated them as equals, capable of understanding and learning from the situation.
So leaders, don’t shy away from showing your human side. It can actually strengthen your connection with your team and enhance their trust in you.
3) “Leaders should always have the answers”
This rule is not only unrealistic but can also create an unhealthy dynamic within a team.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and solutions.
Did you know that some of the most successful companies like Google and Pixar encourage a culture where anyone can question, challenge, and suggest ideas? This fosters innovation and a sense of shared ownership.
So real leaders don’t waste time pretending to know it all. They harness the collective intelligence of their team, knowing that diverse perspectives often lead to the best outcomes.
4) “Maintain a strict professional distance”
This is a rule you’ll often hear, but real leaders understand that it’s more of a hindrance than a help.
While it’s essential to maintain professional boundaries, being too distant or aloof can create a disconnect between you and your team.
Real leaders know the value of building genuine relationships with their team members. They take time to understand their team’s motivations, challenges, and aspirations. This not only fosters trust and respect but also helps to create a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
So, don’t be afraid to show empathy and connect with your team on a personal level. Remember, leadership is as much about people as it is about achieving goals.
5) “Never admit your errors”
For some, this rule might seem like a way to preserve authority and respect. But in reality, it does the exact opposite.
Real leaders recognize that they, like everyone else, are human and prone to mistakes. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Admitting your errors is a sign of humility and integrity. It demonstrates that you are not above accountability and are willing to take responsibility for your actions.
Real leaders understand that every mistake is an opportunity for growth and learning. They don’t shy away from their errors but rather embrace them as stepping stones on the journey towards improvement.
So, if you’ve made a mistake, own up to it and learn from it. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but in the long run, it will earn you the respect and trust of your team.
6) “Don’t show any signs of weakness”
This rule is one of the most misleading ones out there.
The reality is, showing your human side doesn’t make you a weak leader, it makes you a relatable one.
I remember a period where I was dealing with a personal issue that was affecting my performance at work. I felt exhausted, distracted, and I knew my team could sense it too. Instead of putting on a brave face and pretending everything was fine, I decided to share my situation with them.
The level of understanding and support I received was overwhelming. Not only did my team step up to help share the load, but they also appreciated my honesty. It brought us closer together and we became a stronger, more cohesive unit.
So, remember, it’s okay not to be okay all the time. Real leaders know that showing their human side can actually be their greatest strength.
7) “Never change your mind”
This rule is yet another one that real leaders don’t waste time following.
Being steadfast is important, but so is being open to new ideas and perspectives. Real leaders are not afraid to change their mind when presented with new information or better ideas.
Sticking stubbornly to an original decision, even when it’s clear it might not be the best course of action, can lead to poor outcomes and reduced team morale.
Leaders who are willing to adapt, learn and grow are the ones who inspire the same qualities in their teams. They foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
So remember, changing your mind isn’t a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It shows you’re committed to finding the best solution, not just sticking to your guns.
8) “Leadership is a one-man show”
This is perhaps the most misguided rule of all.
Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It’s about inspiring, guiding, and empowering those around you to achieve their best.
Real leaders don’t hog the spotlight or try to do everything themselves. They recognize the strengths of their team members and delegate tasks accordingly.
They understand that leadership is about serving others, not being served. They know that their success is directly linked to the success of their team.
So, let go of the notion that you have to carry all the weight on your shoulders. Trust in your team, invest in their growth, and watch as you all rise together.
Final thought: Leadership is a journey
The essence of leadership goes far beyond following or discarding certain rules. In fact, it’s more about understanding and embracing the unique dynamics of each situation and each individual.
Leadership is a journey of continuous learning, growth, and self-discovery. It’s about striking a balance between strength and vulnerability, decisiveness and openness, confidence and humility.
Remember, the most impactful leaders are not those who adhere to a strict set of rules but those who lead with authenticity, empathy, and adaptability.
As the legendary leader Nelson Mandela once said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
So, as you continue on your leadership journey, remember to be mindful of the rules you choose to follow. Always question if they’re serving you and your team in the right way. After all, real leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold but about breaking it to create your own path.
