by Asa Beaves
When we think of leaders, we often think of one person, sitting at the head of a boardroom table and calling the shots. That image is misleading. Most successful leaders all have key advisors, partners, and supporters by their sides. They are successful because they enable others to achieve greatness, and they allow themselves to follow. When was the last time you, as a leader, challenged yourself to follow rather than lead?
Here are 4 simple guidelines to remind you that you can do a better job of leading by following:
- Follow advice. Listen when advice is offered and ask for advice when you need it. We often forget to ask for advice because we're afraid we'll be perceived as weak or indecisive. In reality, the best leaders are those who welcome advice and who admit they don't have all the answers. The greatest leaders surround themselves with really good people...who they trust to do a great job. Leaders often hire the right people, but keep the reins so short and tight, controlling their every move. As a result, they never get the best from their talented, gifted people. Do just the opposite. Loosen those reins. Seek and welcome outside advice.
- Follow your heart. Leave your ego behind and learn to be more caring. It's natural to think a leader needs to be tough, rational, and bottom-line oriented. We often find ourselves trying so desperately to be professional, or managing "by the book," that we lose sight of the need to bring more heart into our daily work. To gain respect from your work team, you have to have some heart. Show them in meaningful ways you put their needs ahead of your own.
- Follow your instincts. Whether it's called gut-feeling or intuition, we all have that sixth sense that helps us make the right decision at critical moments. Learning to listen to the voice within you can completely change the way you view your leadership role. At some point, we need to stop telling ourselves "It makes good business sense" and admit "This doesn't feel right." It takes a much bigger person to know the difference, and to act on those instincts.
- Follow the leader. It's far easier to lead others than to enable others to lead. We feel it's our responsibility as a leader to share our vision, rally our troops, and be "the one" who grants permission to others to move forward. That style of leadership is flat, boring, and ineffective. True leadership comes from "stepping aside" and allowing others to lead. Some leaders have developed reputations as micro-managers who don't want anyone's help, so their teams learn to stop giving. There's nothing more rewarding than watching those around you lead. It boosts confidence and productivity. So loosen those reins. Give your people some room to breathe, expand, and grow.
We all have the ability to follow. By consciously choosing to put yourself in the position of following more often, you'll develop a more creative, independent management team that wholeheartedly and enthusiastically desires to help you and your business succeed.
About the Author
Asa Beavers is a small business coach and consultant. He shares tips, techniques and strategies with smalll business owners to boost clarity and focus, create strategic action plans, and increase sales and profits. Visit his website at www.redlinebsg.com, email Asa at asa@redlinebsg.com, or call 919-367-0790.