Crucial leadership qualities—such as humility, integrity and strategic thinking—often are subtle and difficult to observe. This sometimes means leaders are chosen based on more overt false indicators of potential, which leads to poor performance and highlights the importance of picking competent, honest leaders.
Fastcompany.com shares the following popular but problematic traits people should stop focusing on when assessing leadership potential.
- Confidence. Confidence often is viewed as a sign of leadership potential despite only slightly being related to competence. Research shows people tend to think more highly of themselves than they should because they want to convince others they are competent. An overconfident person may more easily fool others into thinking they would be a good leader.
- Aggression. Leaders sometimes manage with power and coercion, using their aggressiveness to fight their way to the top. Those who gain a leadership position through intimidation and force likely will not show much consideration for employees.
- Charisma. Charisma can be a positive quality but also does not translate directly to being a good leader. A charismatic leader who is incompetent and lacks talent and integrity can cause damage to a team.
- Narcissism. People often gravitate toward those who are unashamed to celebrate and promote themselves. But there are negative consequences when a narcissistic person is chosen as a leader. Leading with humility is much more effective.
