Grow Into Your Role As A Leader

Leadership isn’t a title you wear—it’s a role you grow into. If you’re a new leader, an emerging manager, or a middle manager stepping up, you’ve likely bumped into some sneaky myths that make the gig feel harder than it needs to be. Let’s bust three big ones and replace them with truths you can lean on.

Myth #1: You Need to Have All the Answers
New leaders often think they’re supposed to be the oracle of their team—knowing everything, fixing everything. Spoiler: You’re not. And pretending you are burns you out fast. I remember my first stint leading a small team—I’d stay late Googling solutions to look “prepared.” It didn’t work. Teams don’t need a know-it-all; they need someone who asks good questions and finds answers with them.
Break It: Start admitting what you don’t know. Next meeting, try, “I’m not sure, but let’s figure it out together.” Watch how it builds trust instead of breaking it.

Myth #2: You Can’t Afford to Fail
Failure feels like kryptonite when you’re new to leadership. What if you mess up a project? What if your team sees you stumble? Here’s the reality: Failure’s not the end—it’s the beginning of getting good. A middle manager I know once botched a presentation to her VP. She owned it, learned, and nailed the next one. Her team respected her more for it.
Break It: Reframe failure as feedback. After your next slip-up, ask yourself, “What’s this teaching me?” Share that lesson with your team—they’ll follow your lead.

Myth #3: You’re in Charge of Everything
This one’s a trap for every emerging leader. You think leadership means controlling every detail—schedules, outcomes, even how people feel. Truth is, you’re not a puppeteer. Micromanaging kills morale and your sanity. I learned this the hard way when I tried to oversee every task on a tight deadline. My team tuned out, and I was exhausted.

Break It: Delegate like it’s your job—because it is. Pick one task today you can hand off with clear instructions. Then step back. You’re not less of a leader; you’re a smarter one.

Your Next Move
These myths thrive in silence—don’t let them. Talk to your peers . Test these fixes: Ask instead of answer, learn from flops, and let go of the reins a little.

Leadership’s not about being perfect out the gate—it’s about showing up, stumbling forward, and growing as you go. What myth’s been tripping you up? Come to Boundless and discuss it with the community.