Being a Leader Others Choose to Follow

In the previous article, I shared the beginning of a recent discussion I had and covered some critical foundational items for being a strong leader. The conversation concludes here with thoughts on how you can be a leader others choose to follow. I use this as the mission of my work and as a way to reinforce the purpose of leadership, to serve others. It is the differentiator between people who want to be a leader because that think it brings power, versus those who would like to support others in their personal journey while making the environment around them better for everyone.

Interviewer: I appreciate your thoughtful response there. Empathy and effective communication are indeed critical in today’s retail leadership landscape. Now, let’s explore the concept of leadership style and how it can shape a successful retail leader:

Question: How can retail leaders develop a leadership style that resonates with their teams and encourages others to follow? What strategies or approaches do you recommend for building an authentic and influential leadership style?

Chris Every team is a little different. So, leaders need to adjust their styles to the needs of their team and the activities happening at the moment. It is Situational Leadership, but I don't want to over simplify that. Keeping two-way dialogue going is so critical to successful team building and support. The team needs to know they are being heard and understood. People are facing more challenges than ever before. People knowing that their leader 'has their back' plays an important role in the success of the team. That safety allows the employees to do their best work, to take chances, to try new things. They know that failures, done with the best intentions, will be considered steps forward and not something for punishment.

I always advocate for being transparent and honest about what is happening and why. People always find out. Or they fill in a narrative that suits the situation. Worse is hearing misinformation from other people or teams that frustrate or cause the team to stop. Staying ahead of the communication curve is vital to supporting the team and their needs. If you think you've communicated too much, you're probably only getting started. Keep your messaging fresh, but keep it coming. It is almost impossible to over communicate on any important subject.

Interviewer: Your emphasis on situational leadership, open communication, and transparency resonates strongly. Certainly, understanding the unique needs of each team and fostering an environment of trust and support are essential for effective leadership.

Now, let’s explore the final question:

Question: How can retail leaders inspire their teams to willingly follow their leadership? What strategies can they employ to create a leadership style that others actively choose to embrace?

Chris : That's a great question. I think it is one that every retail leader should ask themselves occasionally. What can I be doing better that will result in others wanting to follow me? I'd start with ensuring you are always sharing a positive message. One that people can believe in and shows the possibilities of the future. Note, I am not saying we should sugarcoat messaging or try to make bad things seem good. However, there is always a bright side to any situation. Success-minded people gravitate towards people who want to create and open things up. Innovation and opportunity are natural magnets for talent and engagement.

Second, lead with humility and gratitude. Those are also strong pulls for people to know they are appreciated for what they offer. They can believe that their leader will give them credit for their work, and that the leader is not just in it for themselves. It is amazing how often you see leaders making it about them and not the team or the outcome. The best leaders know it isn’t about them, or getting the spotlight. The best shine the spotlight on their team and ensure they have the tools and resources to accomplish what needs to be done.

I’lll end with this final thought on foundations for leadership, be true to your purpose in serving others. If you have a servant leader's heart, it will guide you where you need to go. You will create the connections with your team that are necessary, and success will follow. Everyone has the opportunity to be a great leader. And everyone should have the opportunity to work for one. Together, we can continue to educate on the benefits of being effective retail leaders, and someone others choose to follow. That continues to be my purpose, serving those who want to serve others as a leader.

Thank you for the time and the discussion today.

Between these two parts, a foundation for leadership and a few key elements of being a leader others choose to follow, we covered a lot of ground on what leadership really is. These are starting points for your ongoing journey to lead and support others. Keeping these discussion points in mind can help ground you in what will make a difference as you lead your team, and influence those around you every day. And, remember, it does not require a team to be a leader. Anyone can be a leader from the position they are in. Leadership is a mindset, not a position.

How can you use these discussion points to help you in your leadership journey and personal development?

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