NAFCU Journal November December 2021

“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” – Stephen R. Covey While author, educator and businessman Stephen R. Covey clearly points out the difference between man- agement and leadership in this quote, many people do not believe that holding a job title that indicates a management position and having the talent, skill and ability to have a vision for the business and inspire others are not the same. Thinking that a job title makes someone a leader is only one of many myths about leadership. Other myths include: ■ Leaders are born not made. ■ Leadership style does not change. ■ Leaders have all of the answers. ■ Leaders are always in the spotlight. The reality is that anyone can develop leadership skills, styles change over time as people grow and learn, a good leader is surrounded by good people with answers the leader doesn’t have and an exceptional leader likes to inspire others to step into the spotlight. By Sheryl S. Jackson DEBUNKING LEADERSHIP MYTHS Two credit union CEOs share their thoughts on what it means to be an exceptional leader 13 THE NAFCU JOURNAL November–December 2021