Paul Ryan, former Speaker of the House, shared advice that his predecessor John Boehner gave him: “A leader without followers is just taking a walk.”
It’s good advice — not only for that politically tenuous position — but for anyone in a leadership role. There is so much focus on developing the qualities of leadership — decision-making, critical thinking, strategizing, change management, ethics, etc. — but it’s really followers who make leadership possible.
People choose to commit to you because of who you are and/or because of what you are trying to do. Give followers reasons to believe in both by being authentic and clear. It’s a compelling combination that will have others walking through metaphorical fire for you, rather than leaving you walk alone.
