The joy and glory of a leader lie in the dedicated followership she has. However, such a followership doesn’t come from the moon – it takes hard work and what not.
People feel a sense of dedication and loyalty to a leader when they’re convinced he has their interests at heart, and would continue fighting for them in spite of challenges that may be experienced on the way.
Are you a leader or an aspiring one? Do you wish to have a large followership? Perhaps you’re a leader struggling with disloyal and demotivated followers, and wish to have very committed ones. The following three qualities will attract people to you:
1. HAVE A VISION: Leadership starts and ends with a vision. It entails seeing a better, greater future in your mind: a future that’ll benefit you the leader, as well as those around you.
The builders of Dubai saw it in their mind before setting off to build the idyllic city that largely symbolizes excellent leadership. The residents, therefore, follow and have firm faith in the leadership because the vision is appealing to them.
People will admire and follow you if you have a vision that’s in line with their aims and aspirations.
2. COMMUNICATE THE VISION: Nobody, including your family members, will know how great your vision is and how its realization will benefit them if you keep it under the hat. Hence you must intentionally communicate the vision to others.
People are drawn to leaders that share their vision with conviction. You need to learn how to communicate the strategic plan you’ve designed; including the various roles others need to play to see the vision accomplished.
True leaders know how to effectively communicate the future that exists in their mind’s eye. So, as a leader, you must learn this all-important art, either through writing, speaking and the like. Communication is the tool you have to convince and make others fall in love with your vision as a leader.
3. COURAGE TO REALIZE THE VISION: It’s not enough to have a great vision and the skills to communicate it to others. A leader must have the courage to bring the vision to reality.
For every realized vision, there are challenges that have been surmounted. You must be determined to keep working at your vision in spite of discouraging situations. When people see this in you, they will follow you wholeheartedly.
Feel free to share other leadership qualities you think will attract followers.
Awesome and insightful. Good job.
Thanks Lawson. Your words are encouraging.
This is a timely piece. More grace.