“Follower behavior, not leader behavior, defines leadership,” write Aubrey C. Daniels and James E. Daniels in their book, “Measure of a Leader.”
The Daniels argue that a leader is determined by four key follower actions:
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Followers deliver discretionary behavior directed toward the leader’s goals.
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Followers make sacrifices for the leader’s cause.
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Followers tend to reinforce or correct others so that they also conform to the leader’s teachings and example.
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Followers set guidelines for their own personal behavior based on their perceived estimate of that which the leader would approve or disapprove.
This is interesting because I’ve often believed that the real test of effective leadership is influence. How effective of a leader are you? Find out by reading my “Leadership Test” article at www.colleenspeaks.com/leadership_test.htm
The questions in the leadership article aren’t just to measure your own effectiveness as a role model. Consider posing these questions to your team members to increase accountability, boost morale, and improve communication. You can use them in performance reviews, or send one question as a “question of the week,” just to get your employees thinking. Some managers and team leads have said they’re going to discuss some of these questions in team meetings. Sometimes team members just need a good airing of the issues.
“We can change our whole life and the attitude of people around us simply by changing ourselves.”
– Rudolf Dreikurs
Visit Colleen Seward Ryan’s website at: www.colleenspeaks.com
