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Why the Best Leaders Are Great Followers

When I first became an acquistions editor, I took a proposal for a book on leadership to our Pub Board. (This is the group in a publishing company that determines what gets published and what doesn’t.) The consensus was that the book was not commercially viable. The market was just too small.

Ducks Following Their Mother - Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/istock-dk, Image #14793457

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/istock-dk

However, in 1998 everything changed. Thomas Nelson published the The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. I was the VP of Marketing at that time. My job was to help make the book a success.

Fortunately, John not only wrote a great book, but he worked tirelessly to help promote it. The result? The book hit the New York Times list and has now sold almost two million copies. It is still in Amazon’s top 1,000 books.

Since that time an entire industry has sprung up around the topic of leadership. It includes books, magazines, blogs, conferences, and even graduate degrees from major universities. Apparently, the market is vast. Why? Because nearly everyone sees him or herself as a leader.

But where are the followers?

I contend that if you want to be a great leader, you must first become a great follower. Although it is rarely discussed, this is where almost all of history’s greatest leaders got their start.

  • Joshua followed Moses for more than forty years before he led the children of Israel into the promised land.
  • Elisha served Elijah for ten years before he took up his master’s mantle and went on to perform even more miracles.
  • The Apostle Peter followed Jesus for three years—and made a lot of mistakes—before he and his fellow-disciples “turned the world upside down” (see Acts 17:6).

Though I don’t have time to develop it here, I would likewise contend that history’s worst leaders never learned to follow. As a result, they became tyrants, making the lives of their own followers miserable.

So what does a great follower look like? I would suggest great followers share at least five characteristics:

  1. They are clear. They understand their role. You can’t be a good follower unless you have clearly identified the leader. While you may be a leader in your own realm, everyone has a boss—including you. Great followers not only accept this fact but embrace it.
  2. They are obedient. While obedience may be a politically incorrect concept, it is essential for organizational effectiveness. No one should be allowed to give orders who can’t obey orders. This is how great leaders model to their own followers the standards of acceptable behavior.
  3. They are servants. This is crucial. Great followers are observant. They notice what needs to be done to help the leader accomplish his or her goals. Then they do it—joyfully, without grumbling or complaining.
  4. They are humble. Great followers don’t make it about them. They are humble. They shine the light on the leader. They make their own boss look good—especially in front of his or her boss.
  5. They are loyal. I have written on this before. Great followers never speak ill of their boss in public. This doesn’t mean they can’t disagree or even criticize. It just means that they don’t do it in public. Great followers understand that public loyalty leads to private influence.

I feel like I have only scratched the surface. If you want to be a great leader, begin by asking, “How can I be a better follower?” or “How can I make make my boss more successful?”

Question: What else does it take to be a great follower? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Posted on April 18, 2011

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Newer Comments →
  • http://www.jeremysconfessions.com Jeremy’s Confessions

    I love how Peter became a great leader. He was a “learn the hard way” kind of guy, but he did learn, eventually. I am grateful that we get to see his mistakes because it makes his leadership even more “real.”

  • http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

    The greatest followers are those who mention and retweet the most.

  • http://www.godsabsolutelove.com Patricia Zell

    Christ told his disciples to follow him and he would make them fishers of men. When we look at what he taught (and the Bible teaches, while we’re at it), loving people and treating them with kindness and respect are the foundations of influencing people. As followers, we can have great influence when we give kindness and respect to our leaders.

  • http://twitter.com/PaulEvans Paul Evans

    “Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth”

    I love that about Joshua. He began leading Israel by title at age 80. He separated himself from the “average” 40 years earlier when spying out the land.

    But it all began in his youth.

  • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

    We can learn this if we look into practices of combat forces and their military life. There subordinate obeys his supervisor and follows his command without any reservation. Our civil life could be much more different. But, the basics and principles of following are all the same. At times, followers may not understand the logic behind the leader’s command in the short run. But, he will be able to understand the reasoning beyond his leader’s action over a period of time. Immaturity, impatience of the follower should never come as a hindrance to obeying the leader’s decision.

    I believe that the whole problem in the earth itself began with Adam disobeying Lord’s command. When he was instructed not to eat the fruit, he failed. And, there began the problem. History teaches us that disobedience can lead to greater catastrophe than anyting else.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      The military analogy is perfect. I almost used this in the post. Thanks!

    • http://pennyshire.wordpress.com ReflectionsByPj

      Uma, I, too, love this example. It is GREAT.

      • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

        Thanks PJ!

  • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

    I think great followers own their leader’s vision. Yea, they have their own personal dreams but they know that in submitting to another vision they will be greater prepared to carry out their own in the future. I’ve asked the question regarding my lead pastor, “How can I make him the most successful lead pastor on the planet? How can I help to make his vision a reality?” Has really caused me to grow.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      This is a great question. Thanks!

    • http://bloggingwithamy.com Amy Lynn Andrews

      Wow. Yes. Asking that question is revealing on so many levels, most notably my pride and envy. Great insight, David. Thank you.

    • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

      I agree, that is a great question. Our world tends to down-play the role of “2nd chair”. But, if we take this mentality of helping to make the leader successful, this “2nd chair role” can become quite strategic and vital…and potentially lead to greater things for all those involved.

    • Joe Lalonde

      I think that’s true. In building others you build yourself.

  • http://www.100memoirs.com Shirley Showalter

    I love the concept of servant leadership and the imperative of being a good follower. I think, however, that there are people who have leadership desires and abilities first and have to learn to follow later. They wrestle like Jacob for their blessings. They have potential to be tyrants, but they can become outstanding leaders if they learn to serve through the school of hard knocks. Peter would be an example, I think. Would love to hear your response to this idea, because I am working out this theme in my memoir.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I think those with leadership abilities should intentionally find someone to serve first. Being a follower is primarily a decision to let someone else lead you.

      • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

        “a decision to let someone else lead you” – I think this is an important aspect for us to realize. We often times think that we follow others because there is no other choice or because we have to since we are not the leader. However, it is still a choice – we don’t have to follow (although there may be negative consequences if we don’t). There is also a choice in “how” we follow.

      • Lobays

        As leaders we can also ALWAYS be followers. I know some of the greatest leaders who still follow. In fact in today’s democracy, we are constantly looking for leaders who will step up and make the tough decisions based on following the wishes of the people. I coach High School basketball, and it is so tough at times. I still follow the methods of some of the best coaches out there…and of course give credit where credit is due.

        As a High School Basketball Coach:
        As a leader for my kids on and off the court…I will always still be a follower of men who are great leaders on and off the court.
        As a Christian:
        As a leader for Christ…I will always be a follower of Christ

  • Mark Cleghorn

    Thanks for affirming what I have always believed. I also believe great followers ask their leaders what their goals are and what they can do to help achieve those goals. Those great followers should do all they can to make those goals a reality.

  • http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

    For so many of us being a follower does not come easy. We are born leaders in many respects, yet I totally agree that in order to be a good leader, one must be a great follower. For me, humility is the key. We must not see ourselves as always having all the right answers. We must be willing to listen and consider other’s opinions. We must be willing to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

    Great post for me to ponder on.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Yes, I think being a great follower is not about talents or gifts (or the lack thereof); it is mostly about a decision to follow.

  • http://twitter.com/davebaldwin Dave Baldwin

    Over the past 37 years I’ve been in the second chair in leadership in the local church. So I’ve had a lot of practice at this following thing. I think the one factor I’d add is the reason for when we confront the leader. We as followers confront the leader when it is for her/his own good and that of the organization’s. It’s never so that we can show how much we know, or for something that would be for our personal benefit, but so that the leader can best do his/her job and the organization (local church) can better move forward. You always swallow hard and take a deep breath before you do it, but there are times for their benefit and that of the organization that you must do it.
    Thank you Michael for a great post this morning.
    Blessings,
    Dave

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks, Dave. I agree. Real leaders will welcome this. I heard someone describe the leader’s task in this regard as making the environment “safe for dissent.”

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SIEP6O7VEOVYXY5UFHF7DGVJIY roger

    I think the modern day term we use for the follower you have described is “team player.” Someone who is able to accept a supporting role in achieving success for the team and places that above receiving credit for himself.

  • http://twitter.com/karyoberbrunner Kary Oberbrunner

    #6 They are patient. Whereas great followers might be called to be the next leader, they realize it’s not their time yet. Great followers recognize that God is sovereign: He sees it all, and He will advance them in His time, not theirs.

    Psalm 75: 6 No one from the east or the west
    or from the desert can exalt themselves.
    7 It is God who judges:
    He brings one down, he exalts another.

    (Heard a great talk by Andy Stanley on this regarding David in the cave, when he could have killed Saul.)

    • Lkfischer

      My thoughts exactly Kary,

      Patience is a struggle for me. Yet I do realize God has planned it all out for us.

      Thank you for the post Micheal. These last few posts have been home runs!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I love the story in the cave with David and Saul. I have seen this play out in real life.

  • http://twitter.com/kevinowens4 Kevin Owens

    Another great, thought-provoking post…

    I have heard so many people suggest that Jesus was the greatest leader ever, and I do not dispute that point. I would also suggest, to your point, that He was the greatest follower ever. He came to do His Father’s will, to the point of death. He didn’t even want to do it, necessarily, and essentially asked to get out of it just before the crucifixion. But, in the end, it was not about His will, but his Father’s.

    Jesus was a fantastic leader, as evidenced by his following even today. And He showed us the perfect example of how to be a follower as well. Thanks again for the reminder, especially this week.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree with your points about Jesus. He learned obedience to his Father, even though He was con-substantial, co-eternal, and co-equal. Yet, he willingly submitted to the Father’s will.

  • Chuck Meadors

    A great follower as a great leader has to be a great student. Leaders are readers and great followers not only be good reader but a great student of his leader and his vision so he can support him and develop his own leadership skills.

    • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

      I agree. As a follower and as a leader, I think it is crucial for us to be good students in order to support our leaders well and to lead our followers well.

  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    I think it is helpful when a follower has a different skill set than the leader and becomes a great facilitator. That way it is easy for the leader to delegate tasks. I am a big believer in training. In a modern office setting, having knowledge of popular office software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can really make a huge difference in professionalism and productivity. If you want to make your boss look good, start here. If you want a job promotion, having this type of knowledge can make you indispensable.

  • Tk Beyond

    Jesus, our supreme leader, was a follower. He declared that He only spoke and did what His Father told Him to do. I am always amazed at the great humility (point #4) displayed by our Lord Jesus, and the simplicity of the basic call of discipleship… denying self, taking up the cross & following. An example of a poor follower would be Judas, who put himself, his own ambition (and greed) ahead of anything and anyone else.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Two excellent examples. Thanks.

  • http://www.suttonparks.com Sutton Parks

    #3, They are Servants. I have observed that many of the successful leaders I know receive a lot of “thank you’s” from others that they have helped.

  • http://www.overviewpresentation.com/ KJ Kilroy Was Here Networking!

    m_(‘U’)_m_
    Kilroy Was Here Networking…”When we lead by example people will follow by choice.”…“The first rule in my Rulebook is that my actions determine which rules I follow.” – K.J. Kilroy Was Here!

  • http://www.kristyblogs.com/ Kristy K

    I especially like #2. I’ve been in many situations where a leader won’t listen to anyone else because he/she has to be right all the time. This has almost always resulted in failure.

  • Brad Hillman

    I wonder about “Irrefutable Laws” and “musts” when it comes to leadership. What about a guy like George S. Patton. It seems to me that he refutes most of the rules and failed to come under the conditions you shared about good followers. Do you consider him and others like him to be a exceptions to the rules?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I don’t know enough about him to know. I think there are definitely exceptions. However, I would rather build my leadership and my life on those things that work most of the time.

    • Harvey75

      The problem with using an exception as something to follow is that you can never recreate all the variables that made the exception happen. Patton is a unique exception who could have easily failed by moving him a decade in either direction.

      The military teaches that great leaders started out as great followers. They also tell you to find the expert and listen to them. Then make your choice and be ready to stand by and accept the consequences good or bad. Patton can be used as an example of what not to do as often as he can be used as an example of what to do. This is why he is an exception to the rules.

      I just wouldn’t bet the farm that I could be that same exception, it’s good way to set yourself up for failure.

      • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

        I find it interesting that Patton died from an accident while still in Europe shortly after the war ended (a little over six months later). In fact, he was the only one seriously injured in the two-vehicle collision.

        My sense in all that is that Patton arrived on the scene at the right time and departed when his purpose had been fulfilled. At least, for me, there is a sense of divine providence, God’s timing, in Patton’s life.

        I join Harvey in the caution that Patton’s life should not serve as a model of leadership for the long haul.

  • http://pennyshire.wordpress.com Reflectionsbypj

    Thank you for writing this, I love this post! I appreciated that you place spiritual leaders and their followers, future leaders, as an example. This is indeed a reminder I needed today.

  • Joniames

    This is such a great spiritual truth. I worked for other ministries long before stepping out into my own. The Lord always let me know to that, to the degree I’d be willing to be faithful in that, He’d open the doors & even provide help for me in my own. We are not fit to graduate to the next level until we are successful with what is already loaned to us.

  • http://twitter.com/byrdmouse Jonathan Byrd

    Going back to biblical times for examples and following on your not-great followers made poor leaders, most of the Caesars only followed the previous emperor to gain what they could in order to make their own power play and become Caesar themselves. It was a success, but did not last.
    This also correlates to the NFL where it said that defense wins championships. In reality, a great defense may win one championship, but almost never wins another. To be consistently successful one has to have the complete package, both sides. The not-great followers achieved the top of the pile but were unable to maintain because their focus was on attaining the goal and not on being able to maintain the goal. Leaders have to have more then just the ability to be on top.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks. I think this is a void point.

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  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FJRLITL5IEFHDDFURAESLXOOZ4 Jim Whitaker

    Perhaps one of Jesus’ most interesting statement was the last shall be first and the first shall be last. I think that this is especially true in leadership. If you do not have the humility to be able to be last then you can never understand fully the responsibility that is involved with being first. Part of the leadership folly that I made in the beginning of my work life was based on some bad advice that I was given from a previous leader. They told me that I had to stand out, work hard and make sure everyone knew how driven I was. That worked in the beginning, but soon it was clear that people did not appreciate that type of leadership style. Take that, a bruised ego and an encounter with God and my life started to change for the better (despite the fact that my career seemed to decline). I have changed my leadership style to a focus on me to a focus on others. I have found that the greatest leadership ability is to equip others to succeed. When others succeed, then you do. Think about the great coaches and how much time people spend talking about the other coaches that came from their system and how well they are doing. The ability to create leaders and equip people to succeed is much more important that succeeding personal. It is in the growth of others that we can truly be excited about the possibilities for that person and for oneself. At the end of the day in the moment of Jesus’ greatest suffering he chose others, over himself. He picked the needs of people who cared very little for him over his own personal needs. It was recognizing this, that helped me to move from a self-centered leadership to a leadership of others.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      This is an inspiring testimony. Thanks for sharing it.

  • David Manning

    On the point of “obedience”… In our company we talk a about “alignment.” Alignment to us is the notion that one can disagree, but agrees to align to and follow a directive for the good of the order. We even speak those words in meetings where you will hear, “I don’t agree, but will align,” or simply… “I align.” It is a good way of knowing where everyone is at and if the team can move forward from a contentious point.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      We do exactly the same thing. This is an important and powerful concept.

  • Yvonne

    Great post! My daddy used to say, “Too many Chief’s, not enough Indians.” This is much needed in today’s culture of everyone wanting to move to the top. Thank you!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. We need great followers as much—or perhaps more so—as we need great leaders.

  • Andyw

    Sounds like a great book idea…
    If you want to be a great leader, you must first become a great follower…history’s worst leaders never learned to follow

    Instead of “Follow the Leader”…”Follow to lead”

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Excellent title.

  • Ann

    I just bought this book! So excited to start reading it….

    thanks,
    Ann

  • Joel

    And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

  • http://lindseynobles.com Lindsey Nobles

    A great reminder…thank you.

  • Ralph Stoever

    Another fabulous post, thank you.

    In the last few years, it has really dawned on me why it is important never to speak ill of anyone and not just leaders. Indeed, it is important not to gossip in order to build trust.

    As for disagreement, I like the military rule that everyone should speak up and share their knwoledge. However, once an order was given, it must be carried out by everyone. The team must pull together!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      The military also illustrates another principle: you don’t need agreement to create alignment. For example, a good commander will hear everyone out. Some may want to do X. Others may argue for Y. But when the commander says, “Here’s what we are going to do,” everyone aligns whether they agree or not (assuming it is not immoral.) Alignment with one’s leader is a decision.

  • http://www.nancyjcommunications.blogspot.com Nancy

    Interesting that I came across this post on leadership this morning. I awoke with the passage in Luke 7. on the Faith of the Centurion. He was a man who served in an authority position and was also under authority. The people trusted him and he trusted them to carry the important message and request to Jesus. Interesting thought trust combined with belief.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      The centurion is a great example.

  • http://www.synergysg.net David

    Great followers have abandoned themselves to their part in God’s larger story…dying to self, they have released their “need” to write their own smaller story

  • Marcos Perez

    Part of being a great follower, is knowing when and how to respectfully push back. Among the team I lead, the best result and highest productivity develops through team members who faithfully follow but also contend for what they believe is the best strategy, which is not always mine. The same holds true in settings where other department heads and I, are the followers. This of course, is only possible with the right leadership setting the tone. It won’t work if the leader doesn’t welcome it. Otherwise, it is a great environment to develop leaders in, within the context of following with clarity, obedience, humility and loyalty. Great post!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. I don’t want followers who are “yes” people. The key is to push back respectfully.

  • http://refreshmentrefuge.blogspot.com Gina Burgess

    A follower is Teachable…

    Before I became a manager, I soaked up as much knowledge as I could; and then I successfully applied it to my work. Before long, people were asking me “how do I…” questions which I gladly answered. It took a long while for me to realize that God had given me a great gift. Because of my knowledge, I became greatly respected among the other sales reps and when I was promoted, that respect was maintained and expanded.

    Moses was the most humble man in the world. Moses was also the greatest follower. He was totally out of his comfort zone when God called him which made him follow I AM’s guidance. Moses’ story proves there is no such thing as a Leader who is not a follower. There is a hierarchy in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6), just as there is hierarchy on earth. Some leaders choose to emulate other leaders’ practices; some follow astrology and other things; some choose to follow Christ’s leadership. Every leader is a follower of something.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      “Every leader is a follower of something.” So true.

  • Anonymous

    Who do I follow? I asked this and, of course, I thought of you. You are now one of my wife’s favorite people in the world because of your positive influence in my life (in other words, you tell me the same things she does).

    But I also thought of a person closer to home that I actually see and work with, our head football coach. We’ve had lousy seasons in recent years (although I’ve only been around for one season). I’ve said to him and others, “My goal is to make you coach of the year in our conference.”

    I get an opportunity to practice what you preach. Thanks for the excellent post and this morning’s moment of reflection. Well done!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement!

  • http://www.theheartchurch.org Oshebar

    There are some great resources out there that have helped meunderstand this concept of following even more. Follower First by Dr. Rusty Ricketson and The Courageous Follower by Ira Chaleff are excellent tools for explaining what it really menas to be a follower. These books have revolutionized my thinking about what it means to be a follower and even a leader.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks for these resources!

  • Lyndie Blevins

    They are also listeners. You have to hear what your followers/leaders are saying to be successful.

    By the way, I received my copy of Weird…. in the mail Saturday. Thanks for the book and I am looking forward to reading it.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      You are welcome. I also agree that listening is an important skill—for followers and for leaders.

  • http://karlaokala.wordpress.com/ Karla

    I would add that these principles are not just important for individuals but also for the organizations in which they work, in order to create healthy leader-follower environments. When these principles are not valued by the organization itself, the environment becomes toxic. I once worked for a company where obedience was not valued and disloyalty was encouraged. My experience as both a leader and follower in this organization was miserable.

    • Anonymous

      Sounds like Russia under communism. A story shared during the Stalin years told about a boy named Pavel who fingered his farming parents for hiding a portion of their hard-earned harvest. He was, under that regime, a picture of a true patriot. The result of such stories was fear of those closest to you–friends, family members, neighbors.

  • http://RichardBurkey.wordpress.com Richard Burkey

    A great follower becomes a leader who develops leaders. A great follower passes the legacy / the faith on to the next generation, and keeps the vision alive. In the Bible of the book of Judges there are great leaders, but it gets lost in the next generation. While Peter and the apostles impact is still felt today, still reproducing.

    I think John Maxwell calls it being a leader who reproduces leaders who reproduce leaders and the development continues to grow.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Yes, this is the 2 Tim. 2:2 principle.

      • Karl Mealor

        Love that verse. So thankful for those who have mentored me down through the years.

  • Anonymous

    The first book I read on Leadership (almost 20 years ago) was called “The Power of Followership: How to Create Leaders People want to Follow … And Followers who Lead Themselves” by Robert Kelly. He laid out 7 types of followers and discusses the myths of leadership. I found it insightful and really forged my leadership belief that leaders must be followers.

    7 Types of followers: Disciple, Mentee, Dreamer (they follow the dream, not necessarily the leader), Loyalist, Lifeway (people who follow out of personal conviction), Comrade, Apprentice.

    I loved 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Thank you for taking a chance with it.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I am not familiar with either of these books, Laurinda. I will have to look them up. Thanks.

      • Anonymous

        It’s one book with a very long title. Enjoy!

  • http://countingmyblessings.typepad.com/ Deb

    Thank you for this great reminder! I believe another quality important to both followers and leaders is that they are great encouragers.
    Then I told them that my God had been guiding me and what the king had told me. They replied, “Let’s begin to rebuild.” So they encouraged one another to begin this God-pleasing work. Nehemiah 2:18

  • Riznijustman

    While Elisha performed more miracles than Elijah, Elijah is more talked about even to this day. While Joshua led the children of israel into the promise land, Moses is the one who more ppl recognize. And while the disciples went on to build the first mega church, Jesus, to this day has ppl asking, “what would Jesus do”. Can u tell me the leaders of these great men? The greatest leaders beget other great leaders who follow them. They were never followers of anyone but God (in Christ’s instance, He is God).

  • Davidsteunenberg

    Totally agree! How can you lead if you do not know how to follow. Leading is all about serving the needs of others which is learned and modeled by following. Great post.

  • http://cynthiaherron.wordpress.com Cynthia Herron

    Great followers are also great encouragers. They learn to take up the gauntlet while effortlessly inspiring others to do the same.

  • Anonymous

    They must be thick skinned and not easily offended.

  • Andy R

    So does a leader create followers or do they create disciples?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I am using the term interchangeably, though there are definitely nuances to each.

      • Andy R

        I guess it would depend on the leader and the relationship he has with those ‘under’ them.

  • http://profiles.google.com/tscott21 Taylor Scott

    Great post. The five characteristics are perfect, the most important being #1. Clear. The number one driver of performance is clear expectations. Leaders also must have a never ending positive, optimistic outlook in order to truly be great. Adversity will inevitably set in at the most inopportune times, and the great ones find a way to turn a negative into a positive, in such a way that draws the BEST out of people…leading. PMA – Positive Mental Attitude should be #6.

  • http://www.GoOneMoreStep.blogspot.com Taylor Scott

    Great post. The five characteristics are perfect, the most important being #1. Clear. The number one driver of performance is clear expectations. Leaders also must have a never ending positive, optimistic outlook in order to truly be great. Adversity will inevitably set in at the most inopportune times, and the great ones find a way to turn a negative into a positive, in such a way that draws the BEST out of people…leading. PMA – Positive Mental Attitude should be #6.

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