The best situation is that leaders have followers who are following because they want to, not because they have to. Dan Rockwell shares how to be a leader that people choose to follow.

Originally posted by Dan Rockwell

10 WAYS TO BE A LEADER PEOPLE CHOOSE TO FOLLOW

Authority, position and title won’t make you a leader.

Don’t worry about being a leader. Worry about being a person worthy of being followed.

10 LEADERS PEOPLE CHOOSE NOT TO FOLLOW:

1.  Tippy-toe leaders who live by fear.

2.  Hand-holding leaders who coddle rather than challenge.

3.  Finger-pointing leaders who never take responsibility.

4.  Face-saving leaders who protect their image at the expense of others.

5.  Butt-kissing leaders who change their behavior when top brass is around.

6.  Truth-shading leaders who bend the facts for personal advantage.

7.  Dark-cloud leaders who only see problems.

8.  Big-boss leaders who love telling people what to do.

9.  Glory-hound leaders who love praise and steal credit.

10.  Motor-mouth leaders who love the sound of their own voice.

WAYS TO BE A LEADER PEOPLE CHOOSE TO FOLLOW:

I asked a group to talk about the qualities of people they have gladly followed. Here’s a sampling of their responses.

1.  He saw things in me I didn’t see in myself.

2.  She cared about people and ran a tight ship.

3.  I was confident she had my back.

4.  He had competencies I aspired to gain.

5.  She’s always pressing forward.

6.  She gave me opportunities to talk.

7.  She was humble.

8.  He expected a lot out of me and himself. He walked the talk.

9.  He’s passionate to learn.

10.  They have good character. (Everyone nodded when character came up.)

4 ADDED TIPS FOR ASPIRING LEADERS:

1.  Focus on adding value, not gaining followers.

2.  Become the person you would choose to follow. Would you follow you?

3.  Share your inner best intentions. Authenticity is more compelling than talent, skill, or competence.

4.  Honor people. People choose leaders who make them feel they matter.

What type of leader would you choose not to follow?

What kind of person would you follow?