10 qualities of a leader that everyone wants to follow

The crowds followed their leaders, forced by fear of punishment and appetite for survival. Undoubtedly, these tactics work if you live in a castle and want people to obey you. However, they are useless if your goal is to gather a real team in order to make this world a better place.

To earn their respect and motivate them to follow you, you need to acquire a lot of skills. Let's start with the basics.

1. Trust.

The only way to achieve your goal is to see it clearly and understand your final destination. Focus on the word clearly. Both the place of landing and the method of getting there are equally important. You need to prepare a well-thought-out plan, a clear plan (B) and, if necessary, (C). You must be absolutely sure that your intentions can be carried out. The direction you have chosen should be clear so that your followers feel that their participation is purposeful.

2. Liability.

True leaders know that they take responsibility for their actions and thoughts. Since sooner or later a leader's thoughts turn into someone's actions, he is also responsible for the consequences. Talented leaders aren't looking for someone to blame when things go wrong. They have wisdom enough to be responsible. They use logic, analyze causes, change perspective if necessary, and keep working. Their role does not imply accusation. Their call is to help others, not to give up.

3. Positive attitude.

Positivity is one of the essential skills of a good leader. This doesn't mean they avoid facing problems, or that they don't care. They do. In fact, they care more than anyone else. However, they find inspiration to keep moving. Sometimes they go astray, but they always get back on track and try again. Difficulties do not scare them. Leaders know that their dreams are worth their efforts.

4. Set an example.

If you are a parent, you will agree that it is impossible to explain to children the main differences between right and wrong. The only way it works is your example. And this is true for adults as well. Why? Because adults do not exist. Just accept it – you and I – we are all big kids. Gray-haired, tired but experienced girls and boys. Thus, look for a mentor within yourself. Act the way you want your followers to behave. Do you expect them to find a creative decision? Find one yourself. Do you want them to be faithful? Be their example. The rule is simple: like attracts like.

5. Listen.

Leaders do not hide. They are open to communication and interaction. They care about the lives of their colleagues, talk to them, and listen to them. The simplest way to trim sails in front of the wind is to share. Being a leader means you take the opportunity to meet your followers and listen to their suggestions. You have to be attentive to their opinions. Even if you have another one, show your respect and care. Let them participate. Invite different people to your team. Diversity of opinions makes a big difference. Appreciate it and be prepared to reap the harvest.

6. Be emotional.

Strategy and arguments are great tools if you want people to think of you as an experienced leader. However, there are other tools. And sometimes they impress your followers even more: feelings. Don't be afraid to be emotional. People feel. They need to be understood and supported. Try to find something special in each of your followers. Learn about the things that make them unique. Become a part of their lives. It's not embarrassing. He is wise. Build solid ground for healthy relationships in your team. Be honest and sincere. Feel.

7. Change perspective.

You are definitely an intelligent, creative and hardworking person. You deserve to be a leader. But you're not the one who makes you a leader. Followers do it. Trust them. Once you've decided to invite them to your team, and they've decided to join, you should start trusting each other. Update them in your mind as soon as you run out of patience and jump to conclusions. Build your own small world where all followers will be appreciated. You can't do it alone. Make sure they know your situation.

8. Equality.

Dividing the people on your team by any situation or property can be the most terrible mistake you can make. You are the gears that make the machine work. If one of you breaks I stop. The good state of your mechanism depends on everyone on your team. Short and long, young and old, managers and executors. You and your followers are equal. No exceptions. Leadership is coexistence. There are no examples of a lonely person. It's a game for two. This is the condition.

9. Say yes

The habit of sticking to your position is certainly essential for a good leader. However, sometimes this approach can vary. The next time you reject a decision made by your follower, instead of arguing, try to look at the problem from their perspective. Show your justice. Everyone makes mistakes. This is how we learn and gain experience. Try to say yes instead of no. Give your followers a second chance. All the time

10. Level up. No matter that anything.

I did it! You are the leader. Congratulations! Celebrate it, and keep evolving. Do you want your followers to improve their skills? Show them how to do it. Even if you reach the highest level of professionalism in your area, there are plenty of other fields in which you are considered amateur. Take literature classes, learn new languages, and start writing your book. Continuous development. It's the only way to stay on top