As a leader in your firm, at whatever level you are, you
have followers. They look to you for direction, guidance and encouragement. But
what is it about your leadership style that compels them to follow?

Some follow because they have to. You have a certain
title or hold a certain position and they are obligated, even if they don’t
want to. Your authority to lead comes from the organization.

Others follow because they want to. You have demonstrated
character traits enough so they trust you—your judgment, your integrity, your
vision. Your authority is granted by them, not by the organization.

Organizational authority is so much easier. All you have
to do is show up. You walk into the room or down the hall and they acknowledge
your leadership. How easy is that? But because it’s not merited or deep, you
are a shell of a leader, if that’s all you have.

Personal authority is much more difficult because you
have to work at it. Your character is on display every moment of every day. You
have to constantly assert traits that are worthy to be followed.

For instance, you can’t just put demands on people that
you don’t expect from yourself. Nor can you do everything yourself and exclude
them, as if to indicate they are unimportant. You also can’t assume that
because they are there, they want to be. You have to connect with them. People
want to be led by leaders of character, not just position.

So again I ask, why do people follow you? Better asked, why
should they want to follow you?

This week, identify a trait or two that you need to
demonstrate more of and give it your attention. Give your people a reason to
follow you.