A common mistake is to believe leadership is about power, specifically the authority over those being led. In actuality, the opposite is true. The power resides with those being served. Just like a customer has the power to go elsewhere when they are dissatisfied, so does the follower. Of course this choice isn’t exercised as much in the workplace because there is more at stake. But that doesn’t mean it makes it any less important, especially when a positive and unified culture is vital to the achievement of the mission.
Recognizing people follow us because they believe they must is tremendous insight. But once we see it, what do we do next? Choose wisely.