Are You A Leader Or A Follower

Are you a leader or a follower? There’s no wrong answer to the question. Leaders are people who enjoy new challenges and embrace change. They step-up to offer solutions to problems and enjoy the added responsibilities that come with leading a team. Followers prefer not to be in charge and are at their best when they are assigned a task and have a clear understanding of what they need to do to contribute to the team’s success. Both leaders and followers are essential in business, and one cannot function without the other. 

It’s not enough to have the determination and vision to help your company maximize profits. A great leader needs to have respect and compassion for their employees if they hope to succeed. If you are the type of leader who communicates your expectations but doesn’t encourage feedback, it’s likely your team members feel unimportant and unnecessary. A great leader listens to their employees and doesn’t take offense when they offer a suggestion that could improve the outcome of a project. Leaders who have earned the respect of their followers won’t take credit for someone else’s ideas, instead they recognize employees for their contributions.

Mutual respect and open lines of communication between leaders and followers is essential for a business to thrive. Leaders must trust their employees to do their work and check in on their progress without making them feel micromanaged. It’s a balancing act yet can help build trust and earn your employee’s respect. Trust builds loyalty and loyal employees are happier and more productive. An employee who feels heard and supported doesn’t simply show up and go through the motions until the end of a workday. Employees want to perform at their best when they like and respect their boss. 

A leader who encourages strategic thought and action can help build great followers. If you challenge your employees with projects that are out of their comfort zone you can test their creativity and their ability to evolve. Great followers take direction but also exhibit independent thought, they aren’t just cogs in a wheel. To become a great leader, you need to show your team members that you value their knowledge and expertise and trust their judgement. Offer them opportunities for growth. A follower may not want to lead a company, but leading a team within a company may be what they were born to do.