3 Ways to be a Leader Worth Following Today
If you’re proud of yourself for leading, you’re doing it wrong.
Leaders worth following feel joy for occasionally getting it right, but they don’t strut around like bantam roosters followed by flocks of adoring hens.
The leader worth following is always learning. The cocky leader walks in circles with a compass that points in the wrong direction.
A leader worth following always cares, especially in the throws of difficulty. Anyone who enjoys kicking people down is a lousy leader.
Compassion and arrogance don’t scratch in the same barn yard. Arrogance cares more for itself than anyone else. Leaders consumed with themselves don’t have space for compassion and empathy.
Lousy leaders take offense easily, quickly, and frequently. Thin-skinned leaders are sandbags in everyone’s balloon.
The leader worth following extends forgiveness.
The leader worth following lifts the fallen, teaches the ignorant, and encourages the weak.
The leader worth following feels grateful to contribute.
Generosity, not greed, makes leaders great.
3 ways to be a leader worth following:
#1. Develop yourself more aggressively than you develop anyone else.
Leaders who have it all together, don’t.
- Read.
- Listen.
- Ask questions.
- Consider alternatives.
- Practice structured self-reflection.
- Hire a coach.
- Spend time with mentors.
#2. Extend kindness.
Kindness always applies, even when terminating someone. Meanness disqualifies you from leadership.
The foundation for the tough side of leadership is kindness.
Toughness without kindness is closed and abrasive.
#3. Think highly of others.
Arrogance is frequently angry and seldom pleased with others. Joy and arrogance are incompatible.
You look like a ding-bat when you walk around like the cock-of-the-walk.
You don’t have to put yourself down to lift others up.
- Appreciate desirable character traits.
- Expect people to perform up to their capabilities.
- Respect potential.
- Challenge people to rise to challenges.
What is true of leaders worth following?
I find leaders that are worth following:
– provide an authentic vision worth achieving
– connect each team member to the success of the whole
– are excited to see the team growing in confidence, capability and performance.
– celebrate the small wins and achievements of the team / individuals
– demonstrate humility, respect and a genuine desire to see everyone become the best they can be
– aren’t afraid to admit when they are wrong
The negative connotation you describe above is not that of a leader, but instead someone with positional authority. I think we use the word leader just as incorrect as we use the word warrior.
Just because one is in charge or has people working for them it doesnt make them a leader.
In the end here is what I like about these posts…
They make you go, do I do this?
I see what you’re saying. A person with positional authority doesn’t necessarily mean they are a leader (classic situation in family business or “a boys club”).
I always liked the definition … you know you’re a leader when you have followers not subordinates.
Leaders worth following are sincere to themselves about their skills and capabilities but still willing to learn and grow. They are also sincere to those following them offering guidance when needed and encouraging others to succeed.
Leadership, has many roles and hats. For those who have the resoposibilty to guide others daily through tasks, remember someone thaught us along the way. My point is be willing to share and teach along the way with your actions and deeds. Encourage individuals or groups to challenge themselves as knowledge is the wealth of life.
I like what has already been mentioned by Dan and Rob.
A few more points to consider–leaders worth following have:
–a growth mind-set—believes in people’s talents and potential
–clearly defined beliefs, values, and mission
–clear priorities
–openness to other points of view
–a good balance between being task focused and people focused
–ceremonies to celebrates success
Thank you for this post Dan! Spot on as always. “Thin-skinned leaders are sandbags in everyone’s balloon.” – that’s a metaphor I hope to remember for a long time (and at the right times). The more we’re self-absorbed the heavier sandbags we become…
I think kindness, or development of kindness is the groundwork for that toughness a leader needs to possess, whatever form that may take. I used to struggle with the concept of kindness-perhaps the sound of the word, but if you can operate on a kind level, I think the expectations of the employee are better defined and understood as well the leader’s graduated responses. Like anything, balance is key.
Clarity and Feedback is kind…lack of clarity and no feedback along the way is not kind.
Your article is very helpful for me. I have some knowledge about howworth but after reading your article I think, I have to gain more knowledge about this topic. Thanks!