Do you lead a team or a tribute band?

That might feel like an "ouch" question, but stick with me. As a psychologists, we will challenge, but always with compassion and the intention to encourage growth. 😘

Here are a few truths about leadership that are often hard to hear:

• The more senior you become, the funnier your jokes seem to others.

• The higher you go, the less competent you are at the roles you once mastered. Skills fade, processes evolve and customers change.

With seniority comes power and with power comes a quiet danger: people stop telling you the unfiltered truth.

I understand these statements may feel uncomfortable or even incorrect. But after working with countless leaders across industries, I’ve noticed a pattern: the most effective leaders accept these truths as part of organisational reality. The least effective ones believe they are the exception.

So if you’re willing to accept these dynamics exist, the next question is:

What can you do about it? How do you lead effectively in spite of them?

Here are five practical things you can start doing today:

• Make space for disagreement.
• Reward and recognise those who challenge you.
• Be careful not to praise or promote only your "mini-mes".
• Hire and promote for diversity of thought, not familiarity.
• Ask for input from the person who challenges you the most.