What does it mean to be a leader? is a leaders job to tell others what to do? Or is it to walk someone through how to do something step by step? I believe that the true nature of a leader falls someplace between these two extremes. The true roll of a leader is lead by example.

A leaders job is to walk side by side with those they are in charge of. Ensure that those that follow you know what they are doing and how to do it. Help them when they can’t figure it out for themselves. And lift them up when things aren’t going the way they are supposed to. A leader needs to understand how their follows work and what needs to be done to bring everyone together.

Leaders also need to listen to those that are following them. Those that you are leading will have many ideas as to how to do things and get things done. You as the leader might have a plan, but that does not mean that it is best option. By bringing everyone together and listening to the ideas of everyone around you ensures that you will come up with the best option.

Trust your followers and trust that they are doing what is best for the group as a whole. If you are doing your part as a leader (i.e. leading by example and listening to their opinions) they will be more inclined to do more for the group. They will see those around them working and will want to put in more of an effort.

At the end of the day, the more you do as a leader for those around you the more likely they will be to put more in and do more for you and the group. Listen to your followers, they have ideas and thoughts that you might not have considered. Trust that those around you are doing everything they can to ensure that the group is successful.