Why do people FOLLOW some LEADERS?

You would’ve heard people talking about a particular leader endlessly, maybe that leader has moved to a different organization or started their own business.

But people still speak about them, talk about how good they were, miss them.

Some people even follow such leaders to other teams or even organizations.

Why is it so?

Well, by the end of this article, hopefully you will understand that.

But first, let’s look at a simple definition of a leader:

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Simple, right? But simple things are often difficult to follow.

Did you know that nearly 70% of employees say they’d work harder if they were better recognized??

I bet we know that Recognition plays a vital role in motivation.

But how many leaders recognize their people? And why are leaders so stingy in appreciating their team members?

Take a pause and think, when was the last time you appreciated someone?

Alright, let’s be real for a second. A lot of people struggle with becoming effective leaders. You’ve got those who might lack confidence and feel like they don’t have what it takes to lead. Some constantly seek for validation from others that they are doing a good job.

Others might struggle with communication, unable to express their thoughts or inspire their team. And then there are those who can’t seem to connect with their team members on a deeper level.

Now that we are aware of the challenges, lets understand what great leaders do differently.

Let me share some traits of great leaders:

#1) They are EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS! they keep it clear and concise; they use simple language that’s easy to understand as no one likes a confusing message. Here is a simple tip for you - follow the KISS technique – Keep It Short & Simple!

#2) They are also GREAT LISTENERS! They make sure they’re listening just as much as they’re talking. These qualities don’t just happen; you’ve got to work on them. So, start practicing today!

#3) They APPRECIATE their TEAM! Great leaders always look for opportunities to recognize and appreciate their team members. They believe that appreciation motivates the team, and a motivated team member will always do more.

#4) They SHOW EMPATHY! It’s not just about being nice; it’s about understanding your team’s feelings and perspectives. They try & put themselves in their shoes. That’s how they build a deep meaningful relationship.

#5) Now, if there’s one super important tip I can give you, it’s this: BE AUTHENTIC! Authenticity builds trust, and without trust, you’re not really leading anyone. When people see that you’re genuine—when they know you care—they’re way more likely to follow your lead. Share your story, be open about your challenges, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. Trust me, it creates a powerful connection with your team!

#6) Next is DECISIVENESS! Leaders need to make tough decisions quickly and confidently. They need to be firm on their decision and stick to it, either they win, or they learn. So, don’t be afraid to weigh your options and then take the plunge!

#7) They LEAD BY EXAMPLE! Behave in ways that reflect the behaviors you want and expect from others. If you don't, you might lose credibility and people won't want to follow you. So do what you say and say what you do, walk the talk!

#8) They EMPOWER their team members; they help others gain the confidence to make decisions and manage the consequences. They let them make mistakes and learn from them. Great leaders believe in people and know that the more they believe in people, the more people will believe in themselves.

#9) This is a non-negotiable quality that every leader or for that matter every employee needs to have – INTEGRITY! Have Integrity, as it is a foundation of trust and respect. Your team looks up to you for guidance, support, and direction. And you need to follow the ethical principles and what is right, not what is easy.

#10) The last one which is my favorite – BE HUMBLE! ?Humility is such an important quality to have, it changes the whole equation. Show humility and respect everyone you interact with, right from your newest campus grad to the housekeeping person. Your title doesn’t define who you are, your character does.

To wrap things up, remember that becoming a leader people want to follow isn’t just about titles or authority. It’s about being genuine, understanding your team, and continuously working on your leadership qualities.

So, keep those traits in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to leading with impact!

All the best in your leadership journey!

#leadership #coaching #mentoring #thursdaythoughts