The Leadership Litmus Test

Leadership has many benefits, including being surrounded by smiling faces, eager nods, and enthusiastic affirmations. But beyond these outward signs of approval, every leader must seek to correctly define one critical element: Loyalty.

One of the most important gifts a leader must possess is the ability to discern who is loyal to their position and to their person. There are two types of followers: the position-loyal and the person-loyal. Have you taken the time to understand where each person on your team belongs?

Why is this important? Because if you don't, you risk misplacing trust, neglecting genuine loyalty, misallocating time and energy, and wasting resources—rewarding the "pretenders" while true allies are left unappreciated, overlooked, and undervalued.

This subtle distinction is the difference between building a resilient team and surrounding yourself with fair-weather friends who vanish at the first sign of adversity.

Position-loyal teammates prioritise their interests above everyone else on the team. They are drawn to the power, prestige, and perks that come with being close to the leader. They are quick to flaunt their contributions, always ready with flattering and manipulative opinions to subtly steer the leader's favour. It is even more complicated when the leader is of the opposite gender.

Position-loyal individuals will often tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear. Their agendas are personal and often self-serving. They are usually willing to run down other teammates to draw attention to themselves. They can be over-ambitious, promoting themselves over the organisation's goals. But when challenges arise, or the leader's position is threatened, they disappear swiftly.

On the other hand, person-loyal followers invest in the leader's well-being, values, and vision. They stand by them through thick and thin, offering constructive criticism and strong support even when it is uncomfortable.

Person-loyal followers speak truth to power, place the organisation's interests above their own, and don't abandon ship when things get tough. They are the ones who show up, roll up their sleeves, and hold the fort during challenging times. As an ancient Yoruba proverb wisely states: "No matter how bad it gets, one person will stay with you. But it is that person you may not know."

Dear leaders, it is easy to overlook or undervalue those quiet, behind-the-scenes allies. Those individuals who are likely to truly support you when the storms rage.

Please take the time to look for subtle signs of genuine devotion. Evaluate Actions, Not Words: Pay attention to those who consistently show up when it matters, especially during crises.

Reflect on Your Inner Circle: Ask yourself who is truly invested in your success, not just in the position you hold.

Seek Outside Perspective: Trusted mentors or peers can provide objective insights about your team and help you spot any red flags.

In the end, leadership isn't just about achieving goals or accumulating power. You need to build meaningful relationships and leave a lasting legacy. Today, choose to surround yourself with trusted allies, make informed decisions, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.

So, who's really on your side? Are you surrounded by those who care for the title or those who care for you? Don't wait—seek the light of discernment and raise a team that will stand by you through thick and thin.