Leaders have to know everything.

A leader shouldn’t be expected to know everything. In fact, one of the best characteristics a leader can have is a strong understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of his team. Leaders typically have valuable experience to lend to the team, but strong leadership comes from organizing the collective experience of the team for a greater purpose.

Leaders are supposed to tell others what to do.

The ability to guide, influence, and coach are far greater assets to a leader than simple delegation. Providing direction and barking orders are entirely different things. Effective leaders guide the team towards the overall vision, leaving the details of how to achieve the vision to the collective expertise of the team.

People don’t want to be led.

People (usually) don’t want to be managed. However, being managed and being led are not the same. Professionals want to be mentored, guided, and most importantly, inspired. Teams prosper when the members of the team are empowered and provided a direction in which to channel their collective energy. Effective leaders clearly present the direction to the team and show them the way.

Leaders should speak more than others.

The voice of the team is ultimately more powerful than any singular voice. Effective leaders communicate their vision through action and involvement. Providing direction requires constant course evaluation and correction. We have two ears and one mouth. They should be used proportionally.