Leaders Worth Following Have a Clear Vision

It has been said that "If you think you are leading but no one is following you, you are really only taking a walk." How true is that?  Many so called "Leaders" really only have the title (or the name plate on the door to their office) but they cannot truly say that people are following them. . .willingly. 

But it is still true that teams need leaders if they want to accomplish their goal.  All of the great leaders I have worked with (to be honest, they are few but this makes them that much more unique) are humble, passionate, energetic, and have a clear sense of purpose.  They are focused on the future while organizing the daily tasks in such a way that naturally coaxes their team toward the "little successes" that in the end add up to greatness, power, and might within their industry.  These leaders stand for something, they have written their mission statements and identified their core values.  In doing so, they can react quickly in situations where others might falter or hesitate.  They know their truth so completely inside and out that they become transparent; their vision becomes the window through which their teams can clearly see a brighter day.

When you can say to yourself - even in the quiet of your own heart all alone - that no matter what you will be truthful, you will be accountable, you will protect the rights of all people, you will listen with an open mind, you will be fair, and you will work with purpose and a little humor in all situations, you will naturally have the ability to make decisions and guide teams to success.  When your values are aligned with who you are as a leader, the team will become aligned behind you.

People want to know they are supporting a leader who has their best interest at heart and who is headed in a direction everyone wants to go.  Honor and embrace your team fully and with resolve; when you turn around you will find they are surrounding you, too.