10 pieces of leadership propaganda that are damaging your career
(And your happiness...)
I learn SO MUCH on TikTok (and not just that wearing full coverage face foundation is the best way to age you if you’re already old like I am…on that note, Lisa Eldridge skin tint for the win ladies and gents!)
From diving deep into the clock app, I’ve also learnt a ton from Gen Z on what work really means to us these days, what real professional boundaries look like (as a reformed Gen X micro manager and over achieving nightmare, this was balm to my burnt out soul) and most importantly, what some of the most insidious lies are that we’ve ever been told in our corporate careers.
Lies, I tell you.
You know, the ones that you try desperately to achieve or live up to, but realise too late that they were never the right goals, or it wasn’t the right advice to start with.
And that all you have left as a result is lack of career clarity, lack of focus, lack of time, lack of energy, lack of patience, lack of leadership impact and maybe worst case, lack of self knowledge and self knowing.
Whilst the people that peddled this propaganda to you? They’re the privileged ones.
The ones that made it despite the best “advice” they’re giving you.
The ones that are already where you want to be in your career and have forgotten what it feels like to be on the cusp, but not quite there.
Or worse, the ones that lead in the way you “know” (deep down in your soul) is not aligned with your values and purpose. Or behave in a way that absolutely does not reflect your leadership identity or path.
But it’s out there. These pieces of leadership propaganda are still circulating and I for one, am NOT here for it. If you aspire to leadership, this is a list of how not to do it.
Time for a reset…Are you with me?
Here’s 10 things you may have been told about leadership and careers, that I want you to delete from your brain’s hard drive.
The louder you are, the more people will listen.
You’re “lucky” to have a seat at the table. (No, not lucky Dave, try expert, strategic, credible, informed, experienced, but no, not lucky…)
Being busy is a badge of honour.
Loyalty to the company first. (Big no on this - loyalty to yourself, your health, your wellbeing, your finances, your family - first. Always.)
Your work will speak for itself. (It doesn’t! Especially not in this jobs market and economy. By the way, the only people that tell you this are the ones that are already where you want to be, but I bet your life they didn’t just “wait” to be noticed or rewarded. Stop being the “quietly competent” one in the corner and get ready to be SEEN.)
Don’t get ideas above your station. (Hmm. I actually LIVE above my station and it’s wonderful. It’s given me huge opportunities in my career, enough said.)
Work longer than everyone else. Ugh.
Say yes to everything. (How about “no” to this. If you say yes to everything, how on earth can you convince someone that you are able to discern a good idea from a bad one? A good use of your time and expertise from a waste of resources? Think about it.)
It’s aggressive to be clear in your communication. (Not aggressive at all - clear, kind and assertive.)
You need to “look the part” to be taken seriously as a leader. (What does this even mean? That unless you look like Don Draper from Mad Men, you don’t have gravitas in the boardroom? Spoiler alert and what do you mean, you haven’t seen Mad Men yet, c’mon!, the man was a raging alcoholic, potential sociopath and actual bad human. And THAT’S your leadership role model?)
Did that help? I hope so. I’m off to watch some beauty ASMR and explore “16 ways to layer my skincare” whilst also getting a masterclass on leadership, communication, careers and boundaries from my 20 something career peeps on TikTok.
(I may even have a few gems to share with you myself…)
Check back on Thursday this week for more leadership coaching advice from yours truly. We’re talking about how to manage up in your role. It’s a good one.
Louise