How to be a Leader that Others Want to Follow

It’s not enough to simply be in a position of power or authority. To be a truly effective leader, you need to be someone that others are naturally drawn to and want to follow. So how can you become that kind of leader?

The first step is to develop a deep understanding of what leadership means. It’s not about bossing people around or having all the answers. Leadership is about setting a clear vision, inspiring and motivating others to achieve collective goals, and being able to work together as a team. There are many different leadership styles, but the best leaders are those who are able to adapt their style to the situation and the people they are leading. To do this, you need to be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, and be comfortable with who you are as a leader.

Be Authentic

People can spot a fake from a mile away, so it’s important that you be genuine in your leadership role. This means being true to yourself and your values, and not pretending to be someone you’re not.  If you’re not comfortable with public speaking, for example, don’t try to be a motivational speaker. Be honest about your weaknesses and work on improving them. At the same time, highlight your strengths and use them to inspire others.

Authentic leadership stems from  self-awareness. If you’re not aware of your own motivations, values and strengths, it will be difficult to be a leader that others can trust. Senior leadership coaching allows leaders the opportunity to dedicate time to discover the values that consciously or subconsciously underlie their leadership style. Once you have a good understanding of who you are, you can start working on being the best leader possible.

Encourage Growth

Personal and professional growth is important to everyone, so it’s important that leaders encourage their team members to continue learning and developing. This means offering help and guidance when needed, but also letting team members take the lead when they’re ready. High performance training programs can provide teams with the skills and tools necessary to fulfil their highest potential. Affording them such opportunities shows that you trust and value their capabilities, which in turn motivates team members to do their best work.

As a leader, it’s also important that you continue to grow and develop. This not only keeps you sharp and up-to-date, it also shows your team members that learning is a lifelong process. Undertaking leading teams training can help you build on your existing skills and knowledge, and learn new techniques that you can apply in your role.

Show Courage

Leaders who are afraid to take risks often find themselves stuck in the status quo. But in order to move forward, sometimes risks need to be taken. This doesn’t mean being reckless, but it does mean having the courage to try new things and stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s not popular.

Executive leadership must be courageous in order to be effective. Showing courage can inspire others to do the same, and it allows you to set the tone for your organisation. When faced with difficult decisions, don’t be afraid to make the tough call. Your employees will respect you for it, and it will ultimately help your business succeed.

A leader that others want to follow is someone who is authentic, transparent, and encourages growth. They are also someone who shows courage in the face of difficult decisions. If you can be these things, you will be a leader that others respect and admire.

About the Author: The Leadership Sphere

The Leadership Sphere helps small and medium businesses and larger organisations in Australia, in creating value through leadership. The Leadership Sphere provides a humanistic approach to the way it delivers leadership, performance and coaching services. We work with leaders and senior teams who need to gain increased clarity, build capability and ensure contribution at every level in the organisation, and enable a safe, inclusive and  high trust organisation.