Why Would Someone Want to Follow Your Lead?

A note from Gene...

In my travels as an Executive Coach, I meet lots of leaders – some better than others. One of them, a man I’ll call John, stands out amongst his peers. Everyone wants to work for John. His network is broad and deep. I once told him that if he pulled a bus up to the front of the building where he works and asked people to join him on a new venture in Cambodia, the bus would fill to capacity in minutes. There are many talents John brings to the table, not the least of which is an astounding ability to influence without authority. Almost every client I work with wants to enhance this critical skill. What follows is a description of John’s style - a sure fire way to influence people (at any level) who do not report to you – as well as those who do.

Why Would Someone Want to Follow Your Lead?

"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." ~ Kenneth Blanchard

In order to get everything done that needs to be done, you just can’t do it alone. Rather, you’ve got to inspire others who don’t report to you to follow your lead. Repeatedly, I have seen the “command and control” method of influence without authority (i.e. “I’m senior to you so just do it because I said so”) fall flat on its face in decentralized, matrixed organizations. People have too much on their plates to drop what they’re doing and follow your orders. In order to get their attention – as well as their loyalty and commitment – try following these simple guidelines: Be Authentic: Operate from a place that is centered and confident. Don’t distract yourself with concerns about what others may or may not be thinking about you. Put the leadership boots on before you walk into the room – and keep them on. This has nothing to do with arrogance or title. Rather, it has only to do with you being true to yourself – and doing your best. Act Like a Duck: OK, so it’s a funny concept, but you won’t forget it. Even though your thoughts may be moving a million miles an hour and your “to do” list may have overflowed, maintain the calm demeanor of the duck whose feet are paddling feverishly but whose body appears calm and even keeled on the surface of the water. Show up as the same pleasant and readily accessible person every day. Avoid demonstrations of stress, anger, frustration or overwhelm. Spend quality time with people – even if you don’t have the time. Be Inquisitive: Make it a habit not to tell people what to do. Rather, ask them good questions. Do they understand the goal? What role do they see themselves playing in realizing it? How would they go about doing it? What help do they need to get the job done? Focus on asking people for their opinion and advice – even if it’s not as good as yours – and let them run with the ball. Delegation is key. People do a much better job of carrying out their own ideas than they do of carrying out yours. Be Caring: Take the time to establish strong relationships with those you have to influence. Create an environment of caring and trust. This is not a matter of being manipulative so that you can get your way. Rather, it is about genuine interest that allows for inspiration (e.g. influence without authority) to grow and thrive.

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At the start of this article, I said that the guidelines for creating influence without authority were simple – but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. If you have not been behaving in the manner described above, it takes a very conscious, concerted effort to change. Give it your best try and don’t forget to mix in a little fun. The rewards will be a more productive and satisfied group of coworkers who are happy to follow your lead.