Includes index. Owen, J. (2018). Myths of leadership: Banish the misconceptions and become a great leader. London: Kogan Page Limited.

Part One: We know what leadership is -- Myth 1: We know what leadership is -- Myth 2: The perfect leader -- Myth 3: Leadership is about your rank, title or position -- Myth 4: Managers are leaders -- Myth 5: Leaders know what leadership -- Myth 6: The founder is the leader -- Myth 7: Leadership is universal -- Part Two: We know what leader do -- Myth 8: We know what leaders do (1): top-level leaders -- Myth 9: We know what leaders do (2): your leadership journey -- Myth 10: Leaders motivate their followers -- Myth 11: Leaders communicate well -- Myth 12: Leaders are decisive -- Myth 13: Leaders set goals and give directions -- Myth 14: Great leaders build great teams -- Myth 15: The leader knows what is going on -- Part Three: We know what leaders are like: character and traits -- Myth 16: Leaders are born, not bred -- Myth 17: Leaders are visionary -- Myth 18: Leaders are charismatic and inspirational -- Myth 19: Leaders are honest -- Myth 20: Leaders are brave -- Myth 21: The leader is the smartest person in the room -- Myth 22: The best leaders are clever -- Myth 23: Male and female leaders are different -- Myth 24: Psychopaths succeed as leaders -- Myth 25: Leaders are reasonable -- Myth 26: An effective leader is a skilled leader -- Part Four: We know how leaders succeed -- Myth 27: Leaders succeed on merit -- Myth 28: Leadership is about survival of the fittest -- Myth 29: It's not what you know, it's who you know -- Myth 30: Power comes from your position -- Myth 31: Leaders need experience -- Myth 32: The first 90 days -- Myth 33: You have to manage before you can lead -- Myth 34: Sporting heroes show us how to lead -- Myth 35: You can teach leadership -- Myth 36: Leaders know when to move on -- Part Five: We have a theory about leadership -- Myth 37: Great Man theory of leadership -- Myth 38: Servant leadership -- Myth 39: The humble leader -- Myth 40: Distributed leadership -- Myth 41: Transactional and transformational leadership -- Myth 42: Authentic leadership -- Myth 43: Leadership is a team sport -- Myth 44: Leadership and money: the dog that didn't bark -- Myth 45: Leaders are like tea bags -- Part Six: We have beliefs about leadership -- Myth 46: It's lonely at the top -- Myth 47: The buck stops here -- Myth 48: It's tough at the top -- Myth 49: The leader makes a difference -- Myth 50: The leaders is in control -- Myth 51: Leaders are roles models -- Myth 52: Leaders are popular -- Myth 53: Leaders deserve exceptional rewards -- Part Seven: Conclusions -- Myth 54: Myths, fads and theories -- Myth 55: Leaders take people where they would not have got by themselves -- Myth 56: I have the answer: myth or reality?

"The thinking surrounding what makes the greatest leaders is increasingly muddled by stereotypes, snake oil promises and pseudo-science. The best leaders rely on fact, not fads. Myths of Leadership blasts away the fluff and confronts false legends head on. Jo Owen uses the most credible research to analyse each myth, using international business case studies, leadership theory and insightful interviews, to uncover the truth. This is a compelling and practical examination of the most pervasive misconceptions about leadership that will help you elevate your own leadership abilities, better inspire your team and empower your organization by thinking differently. Entertaining but evidence-based, Myths of Leadership throws out the management jargon and skewers over-hyped leadership trends to bring you the best practical tips you need to become a better leader."--Back cover.