It’s easy to get comfortable with success when you are the leader. The best will constantly evaluate what they are providing to those they lead. Answer these questions honestly. I think it will give you a good idea of your effectiveness. Come up with personal strategies to questions that raise a red flag for you.
1. How can they follow you if you are not helping them develop, not investing in them, too?
2. How can they follow you if you give them no true input or role in the outcome of success? How will they feel valued?
3. How can they follow your lead if you are asking them to work harder than you are willing to work or give more than you are willing to give?
4. How can they follow you if they don’t respect your knowledge and your willingness to continue to grow yourself?
5. How can they follow you if they know you are in it for yourself first?
6. How can they follow you if they don’t see and feel your passion for the job?
7. How can they follow you if you give them no true vision to follow?
8. Are you just “occupying the seat” of leadership or are you “executing the position”? There’s a big difference!
Do yourself a favor first, and then to those you lead. Answer these questions honestly. They will keep you on track, or put you on track, to lead the way you should be leading. I am often asking myself the same questions and find that I have to readjust at times. The best leaders will do this self-check and continually assess the leadership they are -- or are not -- providing.
