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Leadership – Be the Leader Others Want to Follow

Leadership – Be the Leader Others Want to Follow

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Why do people follow others?

Why is leadership important in everyday life? What makes a great leader and what makes a terrible leader? Also, why do people follow corrupt or toxic leaders? These questions seem to come up more often than not because of the current political climate. We see groups of people with real hatred toward politicians today, yet some keep getting elected. Social Scientists speculate that the real problem is the “Romance of Leadership” (Jim Meindl, Social Scientist and Psychologist). We put our leaders on a pedestal because we believe they are special in some way. We will willingly tolerate bad behavior because socially we believe that our leaders have our best interest at heart. I don’t believe that for a second.

The Best Type of Leader

A good leader is constantly learning from his or her followers because they understand they don’t know everything. A good leader encourages constant questioning and understands, often times, things cannot be done by a single person. The best leaders I have talked with all say this, “I surround myself with people that are motivated and have opinions.” The era of being a micromanager in your business is over. I see all the time when business owners run their operations like a dictatorship, it is impossible to hire talented people. Talented people will find better jobs if the opportunity presents itself because good companies know how to cultivate and keep talent. Times have changed and it is important to evolve your business.  

To be a good leader you must have these qualities according to leadership expert Warren Bennis: social intelligence, a zest for change, and above all, a vision that allows others to set their sights on the things that truly merit attention. The job of a leader is to develop a vision, set direction, and inspire others – simple as that. A good CEO also gets on the front line with key employees. Creating a vision is great, but a leader that will not get dirty with employees is not going to be respected. It’s easy to order people around and say I pay you for the job, blah blah, but I have seen managers fail once employee respect is gone and sometimes there is no turning back. I worked for a gentleman that did this exact thing. Always gone and never actually working. The whole team was constantly looking for new jobs to apply for and never wanted to be in the office! There was no culture and you know what happened? Everyone left. The company doesn’t exist anymore.

How to Grow

LISTEN TO YOUR EMPLOYEES. If you believe that you have hired the right people then allow them to take your company to the next level. Fuel the ambitious young person you hired and watch the creativity flow. 

Create a clear vision for your company. Where do you want to be in 6 months? A year? Five years? Communicate this vision with your team and allow some level of criticism. Healthy, constructive feedback is the only way you are going to learn and grow your ideas. 

Lastly, believe in yourself. The more you believe in your vision the more your team will be excited about coming to work. Passion is intoxicating to be around.

What qualities do you want to see in a leader?

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20 Comments

  1. February 2, 2018 / 8:27 am

    You’re so right about a leader being in-tuned to what their followers need. A good leader adapts as they learn and grow with those who look up to them.

    • February 2, 2018 / 12:01 pm

      Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Adapting is 100% the most important part.

  2. February 2, 2018 / 10:38 am

    Such a great read. I have a hard time believing in myself.

    • February 2, 2018 / 12:03 pm

      I do too! Sometimes it is incredibly difficult. I am so happy you enjoyed the post.

      -K

  3. Miss ALK
    February 2, 2018 / 11:39 am

    I think it’s awesome to make career goals for yourself for 6 months, a year, and 5 years!! I need to work on my 5 year ones!

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

    • February 2, 2018 / 12:05 pm

      Long term goals are so important. The only way to have a light at the end of the tunnel is to know where the tunnel ends! lol I love metaphors. I am so happy you enjoyed the post!
      Thank you,
      -K

  4. February 3, 2018 / 5:13 am

    ahh i love this! Stepping into leadership has been something i’ve been working on. I believe in myself but used to be afraid that others would judge me for believing in myself? weird i know haha

    • February 7, 2018 / 2:43 pm

      Don’t be afraid! It is always very stressful when you first step into the role but it is very rewarding as well. Good luck!

  5. February 3, 2018 / 3:51 pm

    It’s so important to believe in yourself and lead others to success. Than can be so hard though!

    • February 7, 2018 / 2:44 pm

      I love what you just said, “Lead others to success.” It is is super important to bring people with you on your way to success. Love it!

      -K

  6. thesophiadiaries
    February 4, 2018 / 9:48 am

    yeeeesss, loooove this! i love the idea of this, and thanks for sharing your tips! i totally agree with all of these <3

  7. mckenna bleu
    February 5, 2018 / 6:56 am

    This was such an inspiring read! I enjoyed it very much. Gotta believe in yourself.

  8. February 5, 2018 / 7:13 am

    This is a great post! It reminded me of the saying, “A boss makes me think he’s important but a leader makes me think I’m important.”

    • February 7, 2018 / 2:47 pm

      Deborah,

      Absolutely! A great leader makes everyone around them feel important if not more important through the process. Happy you enjoyed the post.

      -K

  9. Robin @ And Then We Tried
    February 6, 2018 / 8:31 pm

    The office culture is so important and that typically comes from the top. Gotta set the right tone and expectations to get good employees!

  10. Azanique
    February 11, 2018 / 3:34 pm

    I love receiving feedback/suggestions from my interns and using that create a different office culture. These are great tips 🙂

    -xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com