Common Delusions About Leading
As you are climbing the career ladder towards senior management and leadership roles, it can sometimes feel like you are doing all of the hard work while the more senior people are cruising.
While you will without doubt be working hard, some of the delusions I have noticed people having about leading include:
- In actual fact it is really tough. You can never really take your foot off the gas. Each time you achieve a milestone there is another one to tackle.
- What I found is that people only give you respect when you respect them. Status in itself does not mean guaranteed respect.
- The reality is that just like every other role there is a lot of routine. You also find that you are in response mode more often than you expect.
- Long days and leadership often go hand in hand. Each hour you have to allocate to work means one hour less to do something else. Sacrifice in my experience goes with the territory.
It’s Easy
People Respect You More
It Is All Strategic
You Don’t Need To Make Sacrifices
The Bottom Line: Leadership is not for the faint hearted so make sure you step into a leadership role with your eyes open.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to become highly effective leaders and managers. You can sign up for his free audio e-course at www.goalsandachievements.co.uk
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.