What Intentional Leaders Can do to be Stronger Influencers Personally and Professionally

Fort Wayne, IN, January 26, 2011 --(PR.com)-- According to Keller, “People’s mistrust of leadership is running rampant these days. Particularly for those who never were willing to follow direction from an early age. Mainly because these folks were usually teased, ridiculed or humiliated by others in authority. They’ve come to doubt and question when they are being asked to follow.”

She adds, “In defense of the unwilling follower, there are times when following isn’t in their best interest. The top reason people don’t follow is they have found nothing worth following. The unwilling follower should be applauded when she refrains from falling hook line and sinker for something that will cause harm to her, her family or her community. She trusts her instincts and intuition.”

Knowing what the reluctant follower is thinking and feeling can help with effective leadership training. Here is Dr. Keller’s list of things to do to be a stronger influencer:

“Make your leadership stand for something. Are you just going through the motions? Or is leading your passion – leading from a source of strength and compassion? Do your represent something that people believe in strong enough to follow?”

“Take a stand. Don’t be wishy-washy. Own the direction of where you are heading. People won’t follow vagueness or uncertainty about what needs to be done. This goes for stating your values and beliefs clearly and loudly, too.”
“Don’t tell people what you have to offer – show them. Let people see your confidence, foresight, passion, willingness to listen, courage, empathy, integrity and never-give-up-attitude.”

“Close the gaps in your leadership. If you are inconsistent or not sure of what’s in people’s best interest or the company’s best interest, find out. If you are not communicating with your followers, schedule time and stick to it. And if you are not listening, apologize then start.”

“Walk the talk. If you want people to follow you build a history of accomplishments where people realize they can trust you. Witnessing your ability to make tough decisions and stay the course will enhance their trust and respect.”

“Be trustworthy and sincere. Remember, the largest groups of people who resist being lead are those who have experienced the dishonesty and deceitfulness of previous leaders. They are the ones who are searching for great leaders. Be one they will find worth following.”

Keller concluded, “The reluctant follower lives with conflict around unfulfilled needs; to be recognized, to establish control, needing affection and wanting respect. When a person is in this frame of mind they don’t readily respond to being lead. But if you’re armed with how this person is thinking…what is going through their head…then you’re on the road to some great leadership strides and ultimate success.”

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