(And No, It’s Not You)

Let’s set the stage clearly: If you’re here right now, reading these words, reflecting deeply, and choosing to remain open-minded, you’ve already positioned yourself far ahead of the most insidious kind of leader out there.

So, who exactly are these undesirable leaders? They aren’t always the loud, overbearing figures, nor are they necessarily the ones who shout the loudest or parade their arrogance in every interaction. They aren’t even the ones whose toxicity is immediately obvious. Instead, they are the quiet operators who, day in and day out, work under the dangerous guise of a FIXED MINDSET.

Picture the leader who believes they possess all the answers. They dismiss nascent ideas even before you’ve had the chance to articulate them fully. They shy away from constructive criticism as if it were a contagious illness, and they mistake vulnerability for a sign of frailty rather than a wellspring of wisdom. In their view, growth is a concept reserved exclusively for juniors and interns—never for themselves.

These are the leaders who steadfastly maintain that talent is unchangeable. They see the natural process of evolution in skills and thoughts as a threat, a challenge to their established order. For them, reaching a particular level of authority signals the end of learning. And here’s the harsh reality: they are not truly leading; they are merely dragging their teams, innovation, and company culture down a path of gradual, silent demise.

A fixed mindset traps the worst leaders. Their leadership style is fueled by fear instead of curiosity. They cling to their egos with an iron grip, placing self-protection above the empowerment of their teams. They do not indulge in asking thoughtful questions, they never encourage the kind of growth that challenges the status quo, and they neither reflect on their experiences nor evolve with the changing dynamics around them. They reject the creation of an environment of psychological safety, resulting in a workplace characterised by stagnation, eerily quiet meetings devoid of dynamic exchanges, zero sparks of innovation, high staff turnover, talented individuals leaving in pursuit of better opportunities, and mediocre performers clinging to the safety of inaction.

Even more damaging is that they craft environments where people are gripped by fear—fear of taking risks, fear of failure, and fear of speaking their minds honestly.

Now, let’s turn the page and consider the antithesis of such leadership. Truly great leaders aren’t flawless—but here’s the illuminating secret: they never put on a facade of perfection. Their focus isn’t on proving themselves right at every turn; it’s on achieving the right outcomes, on collaborative successes rather than solitary victories. They readily admit when they don’t have all the answers, inviting dialogue with questions like, “I don’t know,” or “What do you think?” They are unafraid to acknowledge missteps with statements such as, “That didn’t work—let’s try again,” or “I have some growing to do.” These leaders embody what we call a growth mindset.

They view leadership not as a title to be worn like a crown, but as a craft to be honed with relentless determination. For them, learning is an endless journey, and they understand that true leadership is something you catch and cultivate, not something that is simply taught. They lead from a place of courage and trust rather than from a need for control.

These are the real trailblazers—the lighthouses who guide others through the fog. They are bold, brave, and relentlessly curious. At LeadershipHQ, our mission is to coach and nurture those very types of leaders.

So, if you find yourself nodding in agreement, if you are someone who values inquiry over assumptions, if you welcome feedback even when it stings, and if you are deeply committed to your personal growth in order to elevate those around you, then know this: you are not the problem—you are the future.

Because a title doesn’t define true leadership, it is fundamentally a choice, a consistent practice, and an ever-evolving mindset. It begins with the brave declaration: “I don’t know everything, but I’m damn well willing to learn.”

That, truly, is authentic leadership—the kind our world desperately needs to embrace more fully. Let’s raise the bar together. Let’s lead in a different way. Let’s lead with purpose and passion.

Extraordinary Leaders. Unstoppable Teams. Unmatched Results.

At LeadershipHQ, we don’t just build better leaders—we create extraordinary ones. Our bold, practical, and transformative leadership solutions are designed to ignite exceptional leadership and powerful teamwork across your entire organisation.

When it comes to emerging leaders and women in leadership, we’re the experts. Our award-winning programs are reshaping the future of leadership—backed by neuroscience, fuelled by purpose, and proven through real-world results.

Are you facing disengaged employees, siloed teams, or resistance to change? Are you losing top talent or watching your senior leaders burn out?

We don’t do cookie-cutter. We don’t do corporate fluff. We deliver real, lasting impact.

We partner with you to unlock potential, elevate performance, and turn your leaders into LEGENDS.