Why Do People Follow You?

Mumma duck and kids

Image courtesy of istockphoto/danwilton

Not too long ago, I wrote a post about how a one-word question can change results.  That question was “why?”  I suggested that calling your customers and asking why they buy from you is a valuable practice.

As a leader, you should also ask this question.  If people are following you only because of your title, then you aren’t a leader at all.  Positional power isn’t very valuable.  Do people follow you because you help them achieve goals?  What value are you bringing to your team?  Do you challenge others to help them rise to their full potential?

Understanding why people are listening to you is important.  It can help magnify your potential as a leader.

Why are you a leader? Why would others want to follow you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • http://intentionaltoday.com/ Ngina Otiende

    Your thoughts reminds me of something I read earlier today – an article on building a lasting (and thriving) online business, by Sonia Simone of copyblogger.

    She said “real business comes from a deep understanding of your market and what drives them, delivering high quality answers to pressing problems and staying committed to your customers”
    I find that i don’t have the answers :) and that it’s very freeing not to. But I know One who has the answers. :)

    To answer the questions – my simplest answer is that others follow me because I am following Him. I lead because He leads me. (and then there’s the broken-down version of that..lol..but that’s the big picture)

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks for your wisdom!

    • lisw

      Awesome thoughts here. I love it as it echoes authenticity & simplicity in its pure form. Leadership is from within. The numbers don’t matter. Its the quality that does.

      • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

        100% agree. And in simplicity, we can learn much.

      • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

        100% agree. And in simplicity, we can learn much.

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    Great question Skip. Why am I a leader? Because I’m willing to invest in others and push them on to become more.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      So few people really want to invest in others in an authentic way. If someone does that, they attract people who appreciate it. Thanks for that thought.

  • Steve Pate

    Your timely comments reminded me of the Circular Rule of Management: “As a leader, you must help your subordinates succeed so they can help you succeed.”

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Absolutely what it’s all about!