When people make a decision (either consciously or unconsciously) to follow
your leadership, they do it primarily because of one of two things: Your
Character or your Skills. They want to know if you are the kind of person
they want to follow and if you have the skills to take them further. Yes,
there are other variables but these are the bulk of the matter. This week we
focus on the kind of character that causes people to follow your leadership.
1. Integrity. Integrity is that you do what you say you will. You are trust
worthy. People can rely on you. You keep your promises. The one thing that
will most keep people from following you is if they can’t know for sure if
you will actually take them where you say you will. Are you known as a
person of integrity? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
2. Optimistic. People don’t want to follow others who think the future is
bad! They want to follow those who can see the future and let them know that
there is a better place and that they can get them there! Do you see the cup
as half empty? Then you are a pessimist. Do you see it as half full? Then
you are an optimist. Do you see it as totally full – half air and half
water? Then you are a Super Optimist! Are you known as an optimist? If so,
you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
3. Embraces Change. Leaders are the ones who will see the need for change
and willingly embrace it. Followers will at first desire to stay where they
are. Leaders need to see the benefits of change and communicate them to
followers. If you don’t change, you won’t grow! Are you known as a person
who embraces change? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
4. Risk Taker. Whenever we try something new, we are taking a risk. That is
part of growing though and it is imperative. Most people are risk averse.
Not the leader! They calculate the risk and what is to be gained from taking
the risk. Then they communicate that to the followers and away they go to a
better tomorrow! Are you known as a person who is willing to take risks? If
so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
5. Tenacious. The tendency of the follower is to quit when the going gets
tough. Two or three tries and their motto becomes “If at first you don’t
succeed, give up and try something else.” Not the leader! They know what
good lies beyond this brick wall and they will go and get it. Then they will
bring others with them! Are you known as a person who is tenacious? If so,
you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
6. Catalytic. A leader is ultimately one who gets people going. They are
able to move others out of their comfort zone and on toward the goal! They
can raise the passion, enthusiasm and the ACTION of those who would follow.
Are you known as a catalyst? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
7. Dedicated/ Committed. Followers want people who are more devoted and
committed then themselves. At the first sign of lack of commitment,
followers scatter for the doors. If the leader sees the end and is bailing
out, they better get out first. Followers follow those who will stick it out
because they see the importance of the task and the goal. Are you known as a
person who is committed and devoted to the goal? If so, you will become an
Extraordinary Leader!
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of
Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn
their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and
achieve their dreams.
To see Chris “live” at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on
the subject of Secrets of Influence go to
or call 800-929-0434.
