Examples of leaders are everywhere. Many are powerful, many are popular, but few are worthy of being followed.
The ones that extend themselves to keep promises, act ethically, lead by example, show fairness, act out of humility, show confidence, and demonstrate trust.
They are the people we count on. They are the ones we want to follow without being told.
Here are some ways that these true leaders go about their work and lives. Ask yourself which of these things you’re already doing and which you need to work on:
A leader worth following leads with ethics. True leaders are proof you can do well by doing right. Their ethics are not conveniently molded to fit a particular situation but indelibly etched in their very being, as natural impulses that never go stale or out of style.
A leader worth following leads by example. True leaders don’t expect others to do anything they aren’t willing to do themselves. Their leadership comes from their actions, not simply their words. They hold themselves equally responsible as those they are leading.
A leader worth following leads with fairness. True leaders treat everyone fairly.It’s a necessity.They understand that fairness is the ability to rise above their own prejudices and treat everyone equally.
A leader worth following leads with humility. True leaders know that humility is concerned with what is right, that it leads to strength and not to weakness—that it is the equilibrium of power. It is the highest form of self-respect to lead from the stance of humility.
A leader worth following leads brings out the best in others. True leaders guide and support others in their success, ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are meant to do, and doing it with excellence.
A leader worthy of following kindles within others a desire to excel simply by believing in them—bringing out the best in them and building their confidence in return.
A leader worth following leads with trust. True leaders are competent and reliable and consistent, and in return they get people who are loyal and show them great respect. They lead with trust, not power or control.
A leader worth following leads with confidence. True leaders have great confidence and courage. They look fear in the face and defy it, they know that wherever their heart is, there lies their confidence.
Most of all, a leader worth following embraces the concept that leadership is, above all, a privilege and recognizes that the things they think, say, and do have a significant impact on those around them.
Lead From Within: Leadership is a privilege, and making yourself worthy of being followed comes with great responsibility. It means you can inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, be more. Being the leader matters most if the position is taken seriously and is used to make a difference.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Bill Benoist
28. Jul, 2014
Lolly,
You write with such truth. I do believe it boils down to heart based leadership. There are so many in leadership positions who have no followers – only compliance. Just think what these individuals could accomplish by leading from the heart.
lollydaskal
29. Jul, 2014
Bill,
I agree wholeheartedly with your comment. Thank you so much for sharing!
Lolly
Fred Aubin
29. Jul, 2014
Lolly, as usual, articulates fundamental leadership truths in an inspiring and thought provoking way.
lollydaskal
29. Jul, 2014
Fred
Thanks for your kind words.
Lolly
Panteli Tritchew
29. Jul, 2014
Personally, I don’t believe that we can separate leadership from actions that drive forward, make progress, and evolve higher, regardless of whether we are evolving ourselves, knowledge, projects or others to a higher plane.
If we can do that, our trail makes it easier for others’ journeys.
When we use the values that you describe (ethics, fairness, humility, trust, and confidence) to fuel our trailblazing, it is then that our work is most carbon-free. Great post, Lolly!
lollydaskal
29. Jul, 2014
Love this: “When we use the values that you describe (ethics, fairness, humility, trust, and confidence) to fuel our trailblazing, it is then that our work is most carbon-free..” Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wisdom Panteli!
Garren Fagaragan
29. Jul, 2014
yes Lolly…
Thanks for revealing these core components
for being a leader worth following.
For those of us who are here to make a positive
difference…have an impact now…
these components are excellent guideposts.
Thanks again…
Garren
lollydaskal
29. Jul, 2014
You are the best Garren! You know how much I appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Lolly
LaRae Quy
29. Jul, 2014
Wonderful thoughts here, Lolly!
This sums it up perfectly: “Most of all, a leader worth following embraces the concept that leadership is, above all, a privilege and recognizes that the things they think, say, and do have a significant impact on those around them.”
So true! And thanks for reminding us!
lollydaskal
31. Jul, 2014
Thanks LaRae for stopping by and commenting. It means the world to me.
Lolly
WJ Anderson
30. Jul, 2014
Great article! How many people who strive to lead ever even consider if they are worth following?
Leadership is a priviledge and does come with great responsibility. Sobering thoughts for any of us in a position to lead.
Thank you for this post.
WJ
BTW, what plugin are you using on this site for social media sharing? It is very user-friendly
lollydaskal
31. Jul, 2014
Social Media Plugin JETPACK.
Thanks for your comment and stopping by.
Leadership is a privilege one we must be remember everyday.
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01. Aug, 2014
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
I actually enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark
your blog and will come back at some point. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice evening!
Wendy Weiner
03. Aug, 2014
Lolly, the challenge is to thoughtfully review what we did yesterday in order to repair that with our actions today. I believe that we can only accurately assess the road we’ve traveled by looking in the rear view mirror.
Thank you for your continuous support of developing leaders that inspire others to grow.
Michael Lapointe
03. Aug, 2014
I believe empathy is the seed to all these leadership traits. If you take the effort to lead and view yourself from the other person’s perspective, I believe you can develop these traits inherently.
Colleen Qvist
23. Aug, 2014
Hi Lolly – leaders worth following connect and acknowledge – I am always impressed with how every comment always gets a reply. Living the “Lolly Daskal” brand of true leadership.
Andre Belcher
28. Mar, 2015
“Leadership is a privilege, and making yourself worthy of being followed comes with great responsibility.”
This is an eternal truth, that is understood by too few in leadership positions.
Love your work Lolly.
jamshaid
29. Mar, 2015
a good line for life spending
painter in tampa fl
13. Apr, 2015
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker
who was conducting a little homework on this.
And he in fact ordered me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this matter here on your site.
Sie Panyathon
18. May, 2015
Dear Lolly,
We are so proud to have you as our coaching / trainer. Looking forwards to see you soon in Siem Reap.
Regards,
Panyathon
John S Picarello
28. May, 2015
Lolly,
As usual, spoken from the heart. I agree that leadership is an honor and a privilege not to be taken lightly. Character and a high degree of personal ethics is everything. Well done, Thanks.
Bob
17. Aug, 2015
Thank you Sometimes a person gets so caught up with doing I forget the range that leadership involves. It’s nice to see it in print as a reminder of the wide spread responsibility of a good leader we help people grow,accept act and much moor. Thank you I was a little down today and this gav me a little wake up call
Sourabh
29. Jul, 2019
Lolly everytime I come here … now its with expectation to learn something new… never get disappointed! At times, you tell somethings that are so true and known hit me like blizzard!