Being a Leader that People Will Want to Follow

I’ve worked with many people who wanted to be a boss. They would make comments such as, “When I’m the boss, they will have to do what I tell them to do.” They aspired to a position of leadership so they could force people to follow “orders.”

I had a ready-made answer for those people. The answer was, “you may be able to get them to do something, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll get them to do it well.” That’s because the best a boss, or most managers, can hope for is the compliance of their people. Compliant people may do what they are told but they almost never pour their heart and soul into doing it. They are most often “bare minimum doers” who do as little as possible. Most often doing just enough to keep their jobs.

Only committed people do more than required. And despite what many organizations say in their mission statements, their people are NOT committed to the organization. That’s because people can only commit to other people. Commitment is very personal. Humans don’t make commitments to their cars. Their houses, their boats, or anything. Not even the place they work at.

They make commitments to other people. So long as they know those people are also committed to them. Most bosses and managers do not possess the characteristics required to build committed relationships with their people. Authentic Leaders do.

People may be forced to comply with a boss, but they want to follow an Authentic Leader. They want to perform well for their leader. They will indeed make a huge effort, consistently doing more than is required of them.

Authentic Leaders create an Authentic Followership. It’s from those followers that they grow more leaders.

It all begins with being the type of leader that people will want to follow. Being a leader that people want to follow does not necessarily require holding a position of authority. It does require building trust, demonstrating integrity, and inspiring others.

If your goal is to be an Authentic Leader, one who others will be excited to follow, then here are some key principles to consider.

You lead by example. Integrity is vital when leading by example. Whether you realize it or not, you ARE leading by example. You must show honesty and consistency in your actions. Follow through on your promises, and adhere to the same standards you expect from others.

If you want dedication and commitment from your people, then you must demonstrate dedication and commitment. People are more likely to respect a leader who works as hard as they do.

Communication reigns supreme. Keep your team informed about important decisions and changes. Clear, honest communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty. There is some information that must remain private, but not much. Withholding information which could be shared does not make you more powerful; it makes your team weaker.

And remember, effective communicators are also excellent listeners. So pay attention to the ideas, concerns, and feedback of your team members. This not only helps you understand their perspectives but also makes them feel valued.

Empowerment is more than a buzz word. Trust your team with responsibilities and give them the autonomy to complete tasks. This not only fosters growth but also shows that you have confidence in their abilities. This is a vital step in building more leaders in your organization. If you’re a micromanager, then you’d best be prepared to accept micro accomplishments from your people.

Never stop investing in your team’s professional growth. Offer opportunities for learning and development, and provide the resources they need to succeed. As an Authentic Leader, your own success is completely dependent upon the success of your people. Keep the focus on developing your people, and they will help you and the organization succeed.

Consistently inspire and motivate the people you lead. No one is going to commit to following you until they know where you’re going. Articulate a clear and compelling vision that inspires others to contribute. When people understand the bigger picture, they are more motivated to work toward common goals.

If you want enthusiastic followers, then show enthusiasm for your work. Passion is contagious, and when your team sees your genuine excitement, they are more likely to share it.

Show your people that you truly care. One of the greatest truths of leadership is that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care… about them. Be aware of your team members’ individual needs and challenges. Show empathy in difficult situations and be supportive when they need it.

Foster, at all times, a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. A positive work environment leads to higher morale and stronger team cohesion.

Be a decider. Make informed decisions in a timely manner. Even when tough choices are necessary, being decisive helps maintain momentum and confidence. Once you’ve made the decision, take responsibility for your actions and the outcomes of your decisions. Admit mistakes when they happen, and focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

Everything you say and do either adds to or subtracts from your credibility. Be reliable in your actions and decisions. Consistency builds trust, as your team will know what to expect from you. Treat everyone with fairness and impartiality. Avoid favoritism, and ensure that all team members have equal opportunities.

People need recognition. Regularly recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team. Public acknowledgment boosts morale and motivates others to excel. Consistently show appreciation for the efforts of your team members. A simple thank-you can go a long way in making people feel valued.

By developing these characteristics, you’ll create a culture where people feel motivated, respected, and eager to follow your lead. Authentic Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential. When done right, it can lead to tremendous success for both individuals and the team as a whole.