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What Every Follower Wants in a Leader

Written by Brian Zehr, Church Planting and Multi-Site Coach

Ecclesiastes 10:10 tells us: “If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed; but skill brings success.”

We are consistently looking to equip and empower leaders with the skill sets needed not only to lead, but to reproduce leaders. One such skill set comes from learning what every follower wants in a leader. If leaders can learn to start with the needs and wants of those on his or her team, there is exponential development in results as well as in the development of new teams. So what does every follower want in a leader?

 

1.  Accessibility

Every follower wants to know that their leader is available and accessible to them. This includes regular one -on-one time as well as freedom for the follower to contact the leader through e-mail, phone, etc. The follower wants to hear “I am here” from their leader.

Result: Followers take more initiative and the leader is always aware of what goes on.

2.  Inclusion

Every follower wants to know that they have a voice in what is going on. This happens when a leader includes team members in the thinking processes of evaluation and improvement. This is true in new opportunities as well as in the planning and implementing of existing ministry. The follower wants to hear “I want your opinion” from their leader.

Result: Followers take ownership and vision is shared

3.  Authenticity

Every follower wants to know that their leader is real about their own strengths and weaknesses and will be just as real with their followers. No one wants to follow someone who isn’t honest with them.  The follower wants to hear “I am real” from their leader.

Result: Speed of trust – if leaders and followers trust each other, implementation speeds up.

4.  Affirmation

Every follower will give of themselves completely when their leader believes in them. This is not a perfunctory encouragement but a habitual pattern of finding what the follower does well and communicating it.  The follower wants to hear “I believe in you” from their leader.

Result: Culture of encouragement is caught and followers expand their roles.

5.  Direction

Every follower needs to have clear steps outlined for them. This is true with initial role descriptions but is magnified when there is a problem. Everyone wants to know that their leader will give direction where there is none. The follower wants to hear “I know what to do” from their leader.

Result: People do what makes sense to them. The leader clarifies what to do, especially when things don’t go according to plan.

6.  Accountability

Every follower wants to know that their actions make a difference. If the leader insists on follow through, the follower knows that their part is being counted on and that they need to do it! What we do needs to matter, therefore there are always repercussions if the follower does not come through. The follower wants to hear “I want you to succeed” from their leader.

Result: Followers are empowered and know they are counted on.

At the NewThing Networks we prioritize leadership development and the skills needed to reproduce ourselves. What better way to start than with knowing what every follower wants from their leader?