28 May The 4 leadership lies we keep telling ourselves
When it comes to leadership development, businesses tend to fall into the same, tired traps. Companies invest in flashy programs. Managers attend one training session and think they’re set. Teams may get grand gestures, like retreats or bonuses, but miss out on the consistent connection real leadership development needs. At Talent Suite, we’ve worked with enough leaders and organizations to see what actually works and what’s just a short-term fix that fades fast. It’s often the same set of myths that get in the way of real progress.
Let’s break down four of the most common leadership misconceptions we hear in our work:
Myth #1: Leadership development is all about trust falls and rah-rah moments.
Fact: It’s about meaningful connections and learning how to build them with your team.
Too many companies pour money into a big celebration or a one-time experience and call it leadership development. They’ll spend tens of thousands of dollars on a day or several days of a big gathering then expect that to carry the weight of the other 364 days.
But those moments are short-lived. Connection is the biggest predictor of success in team performance. It is the small, consistent bids for connection that build real trust — and trust is what makes people willing to go the extra mile when it really counts.
Myth #2: One training is enough.
Fact: Leadership isn’t a box you check. It’s a journey that takes practice over time.
People learn best by doing, retaining 90% of what they actually do. Which means real leadership development requires repetition. Learn, use, repeat. If it’s a one-and-done training, people may try it once but won’t build on it, and it gets lost.
Leadership development needs to be ongoing. People do not change drastically, but the work they are being asked to do absolutely does. This is true at every level. The leader who is effective this year might need a completely different skill set next year. They need to be equipped for what is in front of them now.
Myth #3: One big change will transform everything.
Fact: Real growth happens through small, daily habits that create consistency and impact.
Breakthroughs don’t come from one big move. They come from intention and consistency. Whether it’s the weekly practice of giving feedback or putting notes on your calendar to check in with your team, these moments add up.
Small actions shape culture because culture is a collection of behaviors. They show people what matters. And they create the foundation for long-term change.
Myth #4: Leadership development should be mind-blowing.
Fact: It’s not rocket science, and that’s a good thing. The best lessons are the ones you can actually use every day.
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of razzle dazzle, but most of what’s out there today is simply a repackaging of things we already know. Some programs try to be groundbreaking for the sake of standing out, but the reality is that most leaders need something simple and actionable.
At Talent Suite, we tell every leader: what we do isn’t rocket science. And that’s the point. The best leadership lessons are already inside you. You just need the space to learn them, practice them, and grow into them.
Because everyone has greatness in them. And the right development brings it out.
To sum it up
Leadership isn’t about the biggest budget or the flashiest initiative. It’s about building trust, developing people continuously, taking intentional action, and keeping things simple and usable.
So, who’s with us? Is it time to retire these myths or what?
Are you ready to smash myths and up your leadership game? Get in touch with Talent Suite today.