I often ask myself how I can be a better version of that person. I ask why people follow some of leaders more than others. I revisit these questions annually, and seek to improve over the year before. I’ve learned that many well respected successful leaders have integrity, and get along with people from all walks of life. Transformational leaders strive for the welfare of organizations, cities, or nations and are more often than not, Love-driven leaders. They thrive on empowering others to help lead change. Empowering People-Oriented Leaders "The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." -Dwight D. Eisenhower People follow leaders who have a compelling vision, demonstrate courage under fire, perseverance in difficult times, and have impeccable character. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa were leaders who initiated change that impacted future generations. They had no ulterior motives, sliding scale value systems, or questionable practices; they served for the greater good and inspired millions. Leading at the Speed of Trust What do these world changers have to do with you and I? They had integrity, when you have integrity people trust you. When people trust you they follow you. Some studies have shown that 75% of employees say that integrity was the highest attribute they desired in their leaders. The 2016 Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed 33,000 people from 28 countries. The study indicated that approximately 33% of employees did not trust the leaders in their organizations.1 What both studies say couldn’t be any clearer. People will work with, buy into, and go the extra mile for leaders they trust. Steven R. Covey stated: “If I try to use human influence strategies and tactics of how to get other people to do what I want, to work better, to be more motivated, to like me and each other—while my character is fundamentally flawed, marked by duplicity or insincerity—then, in the long run, I cannot be successful. My duplicity will breed distrust, and everything I do—even using so-called good human relations techniques—will be perceived as manipulative.” 2 Become that Person You Would Willingly Follow “You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.” - Harry Firestone Whether you’re leading for societal transformation or leading a department within an organization, you can become that person people want to follow. By developing impeccable character and leadership skills, your influence with others will increase. Become that Person People Want to Follow - Emulate successful people you admire - What draws you to them? Develop those traits - Develop the ability to bring out the best in those around you - Always be learning - and improving Understand the Value of Good Character - Be honest with yourself about everything you think, say and do - Be consistent in all you do every day - Never compromise good values Always Apply the Golden Rule - “Treat people the way you want to be treated yourself.” - Listen to people to understand them - Ask questions and get to know them - Encourage and empower people to be more than they are now Verbally appreciate every favor and job well done Forgive offenses, work through issues together, and then put them behind you 1 2016 Edelman Trust Barometer (annual global study) https://goo.gl/5VM63j 2 Stephen R. Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People *** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co.***