3 days of intense conversations, discussions & debates on Leadership with Jagsonpal’s Senior Sales Team. True to their nature as effective leaders, they didn’t simply accept my words at face value. They questioned and re-questioned until they were satisfied with my responses. It felt as though they entered the workshop with one clear thought: 'So, you’re here to train us on leadership. Let’s see what you really know.’ Kudos to them for their deep commitment to learning.
Coincidentally, a key highlight of our discussions here too, was on understanding common misconceptions about leadership. I covered some of these misconceptions in my post last week, and I’d like to share a few more for you to reflect upon:
MISCONCEPTION #6 – Leadership is designation.
REALITY – According to that definition, anyone in a team management role would automatically be considered a leader. Not true.. Leadership isn’t about positions & designations, it’s about behaviour. It’s the way someone connects with, interacts with, and supports their team that determines whether they’re truly a leader or merely a supervisor.
MISCONCEPTION #7 – Leadership skills improve with higher levels of seniority.
REALITY – This implies that uplines are better leaders than their downlines. Not necessarily. As discussed, leadership is about behaviour, not ranks. While leadership skills ideally should improve with experience and seniority, this is not always the case.
MISCONCEPTION #8 – Leaders don’t fear failures.
REALITY – They do. However, recognizing that failures are an inevitable part of life, leaders adopt a pragmatic approach. They see failures as valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Instead of burying their heads in the sand and pretending that all is well, leaders face failures head on, acknowledge them, learn from them, and move forward with renewed vigor and determination
MISCONCEPTION #9 – Leaders take risks.
REALITY – Leaders take ‘calculated’ risks. They don’t foolishly rush in where angels fear to tread. They understand that without risk, there’s no reward, and that growth and progress depend on taking strategically-considered chances. After all, isn’t leadership all about growth & progress?
MISCONCEPTION #10 – Leaders always praise
REALITY – Leaders ‘praise’ and ‘scold’ as the situation demands. However, they do so constructively, earning respect for their ability to offer both positive and negative feedback with the intent to foster growth and improvement.
Challenge your misconceptions. Become an authentic and effective leader.
Leadership Workshop for Regional Sales Leaders & Zonal Sales Leaders, Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Limited, Gurgaon.
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