How you can still be a leader with no followers
It can feel awkward to lead people if you don’t have the title.
We all know that person who tries too hard to be a leader. Instead of creating a positive work environment, they only talk of their ideas and hog the spotlight.
These kinds of people get a bad rap for a reason. As the saying goes, God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason; you should listen twice as much as you speak.
You may want to become not only a leader, but a good one that people respect and follow willingly.
If you are at the bottom of the totem pole or the new guy on the block, there aren’t many opportunities for you to lead.
When you get a opportunity, you need to capitalize.
How Can You Lead Regardless of Your Job Title?
It’s the concept of being the first follower.
It sounds a bit strange at first, but here’s how it works.
Let’s say you’re a part of a five-person team.
Your team lead asks someone from the group to take on an extra project or to give their thoughts on a certain project currently in the works.
As a wannabe leader, you need to be the first group member to speak. You need to lead the way and set the example for the other members in your group.
I’m sure you’ve been in a group meeting before and the leader asks someone to share their thoughts and no one speaks for a solid 30 seconds.
It’s awkward to go first.
That’s why most people hang out in the back and wait for someone else to do the dirty work first.
As a leader, you don’t have this luxury.
You take on the extra challenges and responsibilities because that’s what leaders do.
Why People Don’t Follow First
Being a leader is not all it’s cracked up to be.
You are responsible for the overall performance of the group you are leading.
This means you get the glory when the group succeeds, but you also get the criticism when the group fails.
Most people would rather sit in the back and not have this kind of respsinsbilty looming over their heads. They would rather be able to point the finger when things go wrong.
As a leader, you don’t point the finger. You look in the mirror.
By following first, you are putting yourself out there. It’s a risk.
By volunteering first, you could be tasked with a less than ideal job. The job may be something mundane or downright dirty. Maybe it’s working the weekend which means time spent away from family.
By speaking up first when someone asks a question, you are unsure of how the group will respond to your thoughts. They may disagree with what you have to say.
By letting others go first, you can gage the room and say what they want to hear. Being a leader means being bold at times.
Follow First To Become A Leader
Anyone can follow first and use it to get the position they want.
Make sure you do not make too much of a show. Otherwise, people may assume you are a teacher’s pet or too overzealous for the chance to lead.
Whiel this may be true, you don’t want people thinking this.
Instead, paint yourself as a hard worker that is willing to do whatever the person/company needs for success.
Done correctly, this can allow for fast promotions or other advancement opportunities in all areas of life.
