In the grand theater of organizational life, we often focus on what makes a great leader. But today, let’s flip the script and explore a equally crucial question: What makes us want to follow a leader?
Think about the best leader you’ve ever had. What was it about them that inspired your loyalty and commitment? Was it their vision, their integrity, or perhaps their ability to connect with you on a personal level?
Great followers are not passive; they’re active participants in the leadership dynamic. They choose to follow not out of obligation, but out of inspiration and respect.
So, what are the qualities that make a leader truly worth following?
- Authenticity: Leaders who are true to themselves and their values create a sense of trust and reliability. They don’t pretend to be infallible, but instead show their human side, admitting mistakes and learning from them.
- Vision: A compelling vision of the future can be incredibly motivating. Leaders who can articulate where we’re going and why it matters give us a sense of purpose and direction.
- Empowerment: The best leaders don’t just direct; they empower. They create opportunities for growth and development, pushing us to reach our full potential.
- Integrity: Actions speak louder than words. Leaders who consistently demonstrate integrity in their decisions and actions earn our respect and trust.
- Empathy: Leaders who can understand and share the feelings of their team create a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.
- Competence: While a leader doesn’t need to be the most skilled person in every area, demonstrating competence in their role is crucial for earning respect.
But following is not about blind obedience. Great followers think critically, offer constructive feedback, and actively contribute to the shared vision. They complement their leaders, filling in gaps and strengthening the team as a whole.
Now, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences and share your thoughts:
- Who was the best leader you’ve ever followed, and what made them stand out?
- Have you ever chosen not to follow a leader despite their position of authority? What influenced that decision?
- How do you balance being a good follower with maintaining your own identity and principles?
- In your opinion, what’s the most important quality a leader must have to inspire followership?
- How has your perspective on leadership changed as you’ve progressed in your career?
- Can you think of a time when following a leader pushed you to grow or achieve something you didn’t think was possible?
- In the age of remote work and digital communication, how has the dynamic of following a leader changed?
Remember, great leadership isn’t just about the leader—it’s about the powerful synergy between leaders and followers. By understanding what makes us want to follow, we can not only become better followers but also more effective leaders ourselves.