Why Do People Follow You?
I have a serious question for you today: why do you people follow you? Have you ever taken the time to think through that question? The first response we are tempted to give is that people follow me because I am the leader. Why else would they follow me? Is that not what leadership is all about?
However, I want you to dig deeper than that because if people are following you only because you are the leader – then are you really the leader? There are many who are leading only at the positional level of leadership which means people follow them because they have to and not necessarily because they want to
Dr. John Maxwell teaches the five levels of leadership in which position is at the bottom level. People at this level use their title as a club by which to keep people in line and make sure everyone knows they are the boss. They rely on the authority of their title to get things done and have a tendency to drive people rather than lead and coach them. They inspire fear in others rather than confidence and end up using the word I much more than they use the word we.
Consequently, these people usually do not get much done because the morale of their team is low and the turnover on their team is high. People only follow them as far as their title allows them – then they move on to a team that is producing results with leadership they can trust.
So I come back to my original question: why do people follow you? Is it because of the results you have produced or is it simply because you have a title in front of or behind your name?
Believe me when I say that positional leadership is no fun because there is a lack of connection between you and the people you lead. God created us with that desire and design for connection and when it is not there, we are left unfulfilled and dissatisfied.
Therefore, this is where I want you to start in examining whether or not you are leading at the positional level only.
- What is your title and what is your job description summarized in one sentence. In other words – why are you in the organization you are?
- How would you describe the morale of the people you lead right now – are they excited about the direction you are taking the ministry or business?
- Do you ever use your title as advantage in order to get things done?
If the morale of the people you lead is low and you find yourself leaning on your title too much then maybe it is time to take a hard look in the mirror and make some needed changes. Start to take responsibility for the results or lack thereof in your team and work with people on a more personable level to get things done. Discover why you are there and work with a spirit of excellence on your areas of strength so people will see the positive work ethic and confidence in you. Be more intentional about connecting with your people on a personal level and find out their area of strength and make sure they are working in that area so they feel good about who they are and what they are doing. If you can honestly move into this realm of leadership, you will discover the joy of leading by influence rather than simply your position.
Thanks for allowing me to be part of your journey and I believe for God’s best over your life and leadership!