If No One Follows Can One Be A Leader?

The other day I was stopped by a woman who was lost. She was looking for the City Council. I asked, "Do you mean City Hall?" She wasn't sure. "Yes, the City Council." I told her I happened to be walking to City Hall and she could follow me over there. "It's just a few blocks?"

"I'd say it's four blocks or so," I answered, "You can follow me." Off we went. City Hall is probably four or five blocks from my office.

After the first block she asked if we were close. "Just a few more blocks."

The next block she asked again, "Is it just ahead?" "No, it's a few more blocks."

I've been to City Hall quite a few times. The City Council has offices there and it was the previous location of the police department. Metro just moved into a new location. I asked her again,"You wanted the City Council, right?" She shook her head with a no. "Are you sure?" "Yes, I need to go to the City Council." We moved on.

One block from City Hall, the woman stopped. "No, that can't be it."

"Yes, that's City Hall where you'll find the City Council."

"No, I don't think so."

Just a block away from her destination, the woman turned and returned down the path we had just traveled.

It dawned on me this probably happens a lot to leaders. If the followers are unable to believe in the leader, at what point will they decide not to follow?

Confidence in PR Leaders must be come from the people we wish to lead. If the client has no confidence in your advice, skills or approach, then they will not follow no matter how many past successes, awards or references. The follow ideas can give followers confidence to follow:

1. Give back repeatedly. Leaders continuously look for opportunities to serve.
2. Recognize the achievements of others. Praise others and freely give out accolades.
3. Show the entire path. Describe the end as well as the first steps. Give details on how you intend to finish the race.
4. Ask lots of questions. Understand the goals, aspirations and wishes of those who will be led.
5. Tell others your dreams and listen to the dreams of others. You show commitment to a project when you describe how you envision it becoming reality.
6. Practice empathy and be willing to listen.
7. Allow your followers to take ownership of the idea. Leaders permit followers to make the goal their own.
8. Be convinced you are on the right path. Commitment to an idea encourages others to follow it.
9. Start off on the path and others will follow. Leaders are sure of themselves and don't wait to act. They do it now and forge ahead.
10. Be willing to follow occasionally. Allow others to lead by listening to their alternative ideas and paths.

Last updated by Michael S. Sommermeyer at May 17, 2012.