"You don't need a title to be a leader.” – Mark Sanborn
This chapter examines a leader's" principles for pulling human resources toward a common goal. These things keep the followers to the leader. Of particular interest is their effect on the control aspect of the leader.
By the end of the chapter, you should have learned about the following:
• The various principles used in enhancing the influence of a leader
• Their effectiveness in endearing the leader to the followers
The Precepts
You will acknowledge that being a leader is a balancing act. There are many expectations from the followers that one is supposed to address. Influencing people of diverse minds towards a common goal can be quite a hassle. Despite the many challenges an individual may meet, it is always essential to devise some way to get the job done, thus safeguarding their success. What are the principles that they act on?
1. Bonding principle
You will acknowledge that human beings are social animals. Influential leaders incorporate this one adage in their dealings with their followers. Bonding with the people under them allows them to help others without expecting anything in return. This is more effective on the psychology of the followers as they identify with the leader more. The leader appears to be one of them.
The unofficial loyalty subordinates offer their seniors or leaders is due to emotional attachment. People will often do something of their own volition when you tell them to do it simply because they feel they owe it to themselves. In most cases, they fear losing your support or friendship. This underlines the importance of making emotional bonds like friendships at every twist and turn. In this endeavor, you could investigate things that appeal to you and your subordinates.
2. Appeal principle
It is important to note that anyone acts upon the values and beliefs they hold dear. This is whether we are under the watch of someone or not. These are the things that tag our hidden values. Looking into what would appeal to the people under you is imperative to ensure their loyalty is directed to you.
Therefore, the goals, purposes, and visions must be in harmony with those of the more significant following. This allows people to find out more about you. The feeling that you are one of them guarantees you an element of loyalty.
The interrelationship between the various aspects of success
3. Confidence principle
Confidence imbues in us an element of certainty. This principle is related to your communication and persuasion powers. You will need to be confident about the goals and visions you are selling to the people if you are going to buy the idea.
This, therefore, underlines that a mixed signal may be sent
when you lack confidence. In most cases, confidence breeds trust in the clarity of your direction or vision for the organization, group, or team. This, therefore, underlines that a mixed signal may be sent
when you lack confidence. His spirit must be shown through verbal as well as non-verbal communication.
Confidence does not only have to be about the visions that you have. Showing confidence in the skills and capabilities of the followers or subordinates has a motivating effect on them. This imbues in them a feeling of importance, especially as they feel that they belong or fit where they are.
It would be crucial that you set up limits to this confidence. It would help if you acknowledged that overconfidence might have an arrogant look, which would have the opposite effect on the people.
The interrelationship between leadership, success, and teamwork
4. Harmony principle
The harmony principle works based on ensuring that you build on the trust that the people have through compromise. There will be instances when they will put forward an argument with which you disagree. It would be essential to acknowledge that when we rebuff their ideas, they may end up being detached from us.
You will not agree with your followers on all aspects.
However, you will need to teach an element of passivity to get their trust. People only associate with individuals that they find trustworthy. Being trustworthy gives you an edge over their ability to resist your persuasion. This, however, calls on you to find an equilibrium between their point of view and their impression of you.
5. Alignment principle
Alignment involves leveling everything up to remove contradictions, thus cutting potential disagreements. This principle underlines the importance of synchronizing your speech with your actions. When your deeds are in harmony with your words, it will be straightforward for the followers to trust you, as they know what to expect from you. This imbues an element of certainty in them, especially when you have not been unreliable.
The alignment principle also aligns your speech and deeds with what drives or appeals to people about their values. You will acknowledge that aligning what you stand for with societal expectations can be quite a tall order. However, striving towards shared or common values is always possible.
6. Pull principle
The pull principle implies creating an environment where individuals do something of their own volition. When people have decided by their own free will, incentive, or intention, you can be sure that there will be more dedication, as they will own the process. The basis of this principle is the creation of a desire in the followers to change things by changing their feelings about the world and making them crave what they do not have.
It is always easier to control people when they have decided out of their volition than when you have opted for them. It would, however, be crucial that you clearly understand what would be desirable to them and how they make decisions.