A Real leader needs people to serve, not rule.

To be an effective leader we need to have dedicated people who can understand, at least in principal, what our vision is and are confident enough in us to buy into that vision. To create that “buy-in” they need to know that we are there to serve them. This service can come in the form of moral support in their task; encouragement in their energy; motivation to reach their goals; and help to make their job a source of energy and purpose.

Many times this support comes in the form of leadership by example. Be the hardest working individual that you can be. Show people that you are not asking anyone to do what you yourself are not willing to do, and do as effectively as possible. With this example, you may soon have people willing to do whatever it takes to keep up with you, and even surpass you if they have the ability. This is a sign of respect for your leadership position. We’ve all heard the term “we would run through fire for him or her” or “we would do anything he or she would ask.”

 This is the kind of leader that we all want to be.