One of the first things you need to be able to do as a leader is to get people to follow you. How can this be accomplished?

People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose.

This means that people will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going.

Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don’t follow me, I’m lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you’re headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.

You must not only know, but believe in, the vision of your organization. If you have doubts about whether your organization’s vision is valid or achievable your people will not be inclined to follow you. They will doubt your leadership.

Getting people to follow you relies on your capacity to influence and inspire others.

If you need to develop you influencing skills have a look at The Art of Influence audioseminar I did recently with Australia’s expert in influencing skills, Paddy Spruce.

First of all, let’s define leadership. To be a leader, you must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. Leaders contribute to the organization and cohesion of a group.

Contrary to what some people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear.

It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization.

You must be a leader not a boss.

Even though you may have power or authority over others in your organization, one of the paradoxes of leadership is that you will achieve more if you do not need to exert your authority.

You will achieve much more as a leader when you encourage, inspire and motivate people to work together and with you.

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When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don’t seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? Do you see lots of activity, but nothing seems to get accomplished? And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then maybe its time for you to step up and do something about it.

Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn’t unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be at the head, not the tail – to be in charge of achieving more.

If so, maybe a leadership role will just suit you.

My experience shows that many great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural leadership talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.

Good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. To be a leader you need a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor you choose.

How committed are you?

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Coming soon

The Leadership Coaching Club is almost ready for public release. If you are committed to improving your natural skills as a leader and manager you will want to register for Leadership Coaching Club News so you get advance notice before everyone else does. Register here.