Leaders have followers, that means people who look up to them as exemplary figures and there are specific qualities in the leaders that attract them. Leaders are not simply just people of position, power, influence and authority in an organization or society. Resting solely in that idea is nothing more than viewing leadership through an archaic lens and a fast diminishing, if not long obsolete perspective in today's world. In my own career experience, I have seen people who are essentially leaders through the values they embody and actions they demonstrate, humble and well-respected individuals but never see themselves that way (they just be who they are and everyone seems to recognize their goodwill), and I have also witnessed some others who pride themselves with leadership titles like shiny badges, yet nothing admirable about these folks (of course they might have earned it, but what they do with it, is another thing) while others have to kind of play along with the socially-constructed institution.
According to John C. Maxwell, there are three primary questions that every follower would ask themselves before they follow any leaders. Similarly, I would think leaders can also ask these questions to themselves to understand if they have been a positive and good leader to those in their charge or care. These questions seem intuitive but until they are deliberately deconstructed, will remain only as good as vague, blinding presumptions. So let's take a look at what these three questions are (from a follower's vantage point) that are true at anytime and with any leaders:
Question #1: Does that person care about me?
Let's be honest - who wants to follow a leader who is hard to connect with or reach, and has neither the heart nor interest in their people? This applies to both individual level and on a collective scale. When a concern or issue is brought into their attention, depending on the situation, a leader would carve the time to be present, listen, discuss, act and follow up, or at the minimum enable a clear and transparent channel to address it. While they might establish an open-door policy, do they also exercise open-ear policy? Even if it means a long and tedious process, leaders will follow through simply because they do care, not so much about the problem per se but its ultimate impact on their people.
Question #2: Can that person help me?
Great leaders are keen to help others grow into their highest potential and success as much as they are eager of their own. As a matter of fact, they might just be their true measure of success, by the difference they have brought into their tribe or team. They stay ahead because they see things that others do not, and they see them before others do, but they do not do that by retaining or hiding information. Instead, they share openly what they know that worked and encourage their people to create their own experience. They contribute by helping others to develop the competence necessary to close the gap from where they are today to where they desire to advance to.
Question #3: Can I trust that person?
Here, Maxwell talked about the fine line between motivation and manipulation. Motivation, which all leaders must be able to provide, are meant to create a win-win situation for all parties. Manipulation on the other hand, concerns taking advantage of the effort and dedication of others to pursue own interests - which is merely self-serving. He asserted that leaders today are a little over the head on the latter, with the power and influence they hold. Who wants to be left violated and undervalued after all the time and energy spent mobilizing and realising what was once thought a mutual goal?
To all who want to be leaders with followers, the three primary questions above will be a great start to reflect upon. The good news is, these qualities can be cultivated with the right intention and grit. Leaders are not born, leaders are made.
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