No One will Follow Someone they do not Respect

Some people are born with more natural leadership ability than others. They have a more natural affinity to lead others and as such people are drawn to them as leaders. Despite this, I believe that almost anyone can learn the art of leadership and become a better leader. Yes the people with more natural leadership ability will probably grow into stronger leaders in the end, but with focus and training anyone can improve their leadership ability. For example, if we were to measure someone’s leadership ability on a subjective scale between 0 and 10. Natural leaders may measure out, as say a 7 to start with and someone with less natural ability could measure out at a 5.

Both leaders would benefit from leadership training and they would both grow into better leaders in the end. My experience has shown me that, although both natural leaders and people with less natural ability; do grow and become better leaders with training. The people who start out as natural leaders, as was the case in the example I used above, where the natural leader started out as a 7 and the leader with less natural ability started out as a 5. The natural leader could end up as a 10 and the person who starts out with less natural ability could end up a 9, after learning new leadership skills. Anyone can grow and become a better leader, however my experience has shown me that people with natural leadership ability, do grow into better leaders in the end.

The reason people follow other people is not an accident. They follow people who they can respect as leaders and who set a great example by what they project to the world. Using the subjective scale I used above. Someone who is an 8 on the scale of leadership ability would never be drawn to follow someone with less ability than their own, someone who was a 6 for example. People will naturally follow someone who are more skilled or a stronger leader than they are. The reason people are willing to follow someone is directly proportional to the qualities the person possess as a leader and their ability to command respect.

No one will follow a leader unless they can respect that leader as both a better leader than they are and as a person worth respecting, for whom they are. If you are in a leadership position, and you want to improve your effectiveness as a leader, you must stay committed to continually grow as both a leader and as a person. The more you can improve both as a leader and in every other facet of your life, the easier it will be for people to follow you and the more effective you will become. As you keep improving, the team you serve will grow to respect you more and more.

Great leaders know that people will only truly follow them and deliver their best, if they are shown respect by the leader. The more leaders show respect for everyone around them, especially people who have less power or a lower position than theirs, the more people will respect them in return. People are drawn to and readily follow people who they can admire and respect. Leaders, who consistently show respect for everyone around them, especially their team members and they show a commitment to always lead well, will continue to have willing followers, who are committed to always deliver their best.

To become a great leader, who people will be willing to follow, build up a great track record and always do your best. When you as a leader consistently demonstrate that you are successful in your own endeavours, people will grow to respect you and be willing to follow you and your example. Any leader, who consistently leads their team to victory and success, will be filled with eager followers, believing that the leader can do it again and again. Exhibiting your willingness to lead by example and always giving your best as a leader, is a certain way to encourage people to follow you and to offer their best.

As a leader when you show loyalty to your team, you will not only earn their respect, but also develop a team of loyal and willing followers. This new era of constant change, turnover and transition, where people flit from one job to the next, means that teams are constantly changing. It is precisely because of these changes and transitions that loyalty has become such a valued and priceless possession. When leaders show loyalty to their team and a willingness to support them, even when it hurts them, they breed a culture of loyalty amongst their team. When the going gets tough as it does on occasion, their followers will remain loyal to the leader and be willing to always give their best, despite the challenges.

As a leader, stay focused on always supporting your team and try to add value to them wherever possible. As your followers grow to respect you as a loyal, able and supportive leader, they will give their best every day. The more committed you are to give as a leader, the more you will get form your followers.

http://www.andrewhorton.co.za