This is the first of two posts on AchieveGlobal’s study on the differences between managers and leaders, "Leader vs. Manager: What’s the Distinction?" Be sure to read the entire report.
Over the past few years, we’ve looked at leadership in several ways: figuring out the differences between what makes a leader versus a manager, examining the challenges of 21st century leadership, examining leadership in the federal government, and more recently, what challenges leaders face in the healthcare industry.
But what about the “followers”? After all, as Barbara Kellerman pointed out, it’s pretty impossible to become a leader without some sort of follower. The truth is that it’s vital for leaders to keep their “followers” in mind at every stage of their game.
In fact, each of the six zones in the leadership model informed by our research stresses the importance for leaders to focus on their followers.
How can effective leaders become more follower-focused?
- By building awareness of strengths and weaknesses of others
- By striving for the well-being of the group
- By being mindful of the strength that comes from differences
- By offering support and encouragement
- By helping others succeed
It goes without saying that there can be no leader without followers. But it’s also worth remembering that only with effective leadership can the human resource reach its full, realized potential.
Sharon Daniels is CEO of AchieveGlobal in Tampa, Florida
