People Follow You

1. Leaders Need Their People More Than People Need Them

You get paid for what your people do, not for what you do.

Servant leadership is the cornerstone of effective management. Leaders must recognize that their success is entirely dependent on their team's performance. This principle should guide every decision and interaction.

• Shift your mindset from "I'm the boss" to "How can I help my team succeed?"
• Prioritize your team's needs and goals over your own ego or desires
• Measure your success by the growth and achievements of your people

By adopting this perspective, leaders create an environment where people are motivated to give their best effort. It fosters loyalty, trust, and a sense of shared purpose that drives organizational success.

2. Trust is the Foundation of Effective Leadership

Trust is the glue that holds relationships together and the foundation on which all long-term relationships rest.

Building trust requires consistent actions that demonstrate reliability, integrity, and genuine care for your team. Trust is not given automatically; it must be earned through repeated positive interactions and fulfilled commitments.

• Be transparent in your communication
• Follow through on promises, no matter how small
• Admit mistakes and take responsibility for failures
• Demonstrate fairness and consistency in your decisions

Trust is fragile and can be easily damaged by inconsistent behavior or broken promises. Leaders must be vigilant in maintaining trust, as it directly impacts team performance, morale, and loyalty.

3. Listening Deeply Builds Strong Connections

The more you listen to other people, the more they will trust you.

Active listening is a powerful tool for building relationships and uncovering valuable insights. It involves giving your full attention, asking thoughtful questions, and demonstrating genuine interest in what others are saying.

• Practice maintaining eye contact and eliminating distractions
• Use verbal and non-verbal cues to show you're engaged
• Ask follow-up questions to deepen understanding
• Summarize and reflect back what you've heard to ensure clarity

By listening deeply, leaders make their team members feel valued and understood. This creates a foundation of trust and opens the door for honest communication about challenges, ideas, and opportunities for improvement.

4. Position People to Win Through Coaching and Development

The most important leadership principle is that leaders get paid for what their people do, not what they do.

Effective coaching involves helping team members identify their goals, develop their skills, and overcome obstacles. Leaders should focus on creating an environment where people can leverage their strengths and continuously improve.

• Work with each team member to set clear, achievable goals
• Provide regular feedback and recognition for progress
• Identify and remove roadblocks that hinder performance
• Offer training and development opportunities tailored to individual needs

By investing in your team's growth and success, you not only improve overall performance but also build loyalty and engagement. People are more likely to give their best effort when they feel supported in their personal and professional development.

5. Create Positive Emotional Experiences to Anchor Relationships

What we experience, we remember.

Emotional connections are powerful motivators and create lasting loyalty. Leaders should actively seek opportunities to create positive experiences for their team members, both big and small.

• Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements
• Show genuine appreciation for hard work and extra effort
• Demonstrate empathy during challenging times
• Create personalized gestures that show you care about your team as individuals

These positive experiences create emotional anchors that strengthen relationships and motivate people to go above and beyond. They also contribute to a positive work culture that attracts and retains top talent.

6. Be Likeable and Authentic to Foster Trust

Leaders who develop the habit of asking questions and listening become more effective coaches and gain the loyalty and trust of their people.

Authenticity is key to building genuine connections with your team. Being likeable doesn't mean being a pushover; it means being approachable, genuine, and respectful in your interactions.

• Be polite and respectful to everyone, regardless of their position
• Show genuine interest in your team members' lives and concerns
• Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor when appropriate
• Be willing to admit mistakes and show vulnerability

When leaders are authentic and likeable, it creates an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. This open communication is essential for identifying and solving problems quickly.

7. Leverage Questions to Uncover Problems and Coach Effectively

A question you ask is far more important than anything you say.

Powerful questioning is a crucial skill for effective leadership and coaching. By asking the right questions, leaders can help team members gain self-awareness, uncover root causes of problems, and develop their own solutions.

• Start with open-ended questions to encourage elaboration
• Use "what" and "how" questions to focus on solutions rather than blame
• Ask probing questions to dig deeper into underlying issues
• Employ reflective questions to encourage self-analysis and learning

Effective questioning demonstrates trust in your team's ability to solve problems and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

8. Put People First by Focusing on Their Goals and Development

When you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.

Aligning personal and organizational goals is key to motivating and retaining top talent. Leaders should take the time to understand each team member's aspirations and help them achieve their goals within the context of organizational objectives.

• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss personal and professional goals
• Help team members create action plans to achieve their objectives
• Provide resources and support for skill development and career growth
• Look for opportunities to align individual strengths with organizational needs

By demonstrating a genuine interest in your team's success, you create a culture of mutual support and shared achievement. This approach leads to higher engagement, productivity, and retention of top performers.

9. Communicate Consistently and Follow Through on Commitments

Inconsistent behavior is a red flag when it comes to trust.

Consistency in words and actions is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility as a leader. Your team needs to know they can rely on you to follow through on commitments and maintain a steady demeanor.

• Clearly communicate expectations and deadlines
• Follow up regularly on tasks and projects
• Avoid making promises you can't keep
• Maintain a consistent mood and approach, even in stressful situations

Consistent behavior creates a sense of stability and predictability that allows your team to focus on their work without worrying about sudden changes or unreliable leadership.

10. Lead Change by Building Trust to Overcome Status Quo

Trust, above all things, trumps status quo.

Change management requires a foundation of trust to overcome natural resistance. Leaders must build strong relationships and demonstrate reliability to help their teams navigate uncertainty and embrace new ways of working.

• Clearly communicate the reasons for change and expected benefits
• Involve team members in the planning and implementation process
• Provide support and resources to help people adapt to new processes
• Celebrate early wins and milestones to build momentum

By establishing trust and demonstrating a commitment to your team's success, you can more effectively lead change initiatives and drive organizational growth.

Last updated: April 7, 2025