In a previous article we looked at the conclusions drawn from extensive research with over 20,000 senior leaders and leadership teams over a 50 year period. This research concluded that:
1. The most effective leaders are always investing in Strengths.
2. The most effective leaders always surround themselves with the right people to maximise their team.
3. The most effective leaders always understand their followers' needs.
(Rath, T. & Conchie, B. (2008). Strengths-based Leadership. New York, NY:Gallup.)
In this article, we’re going to focus on conclusion #3 - The most effective leaders always understand their followers’ needs.
Two things by way of introduction:
You will have noticed by this point that the research does not tell us that a particular kind of person is best suited to leadership. Leadership is not dependent on personality type.
The research does not tell us that the best leaders give their followers what they ‘want’. Needs and wants are not the same thing. Effective leaders understand their followers’ needs. And from a place of understanding needs, leaders are best able to lead effectively.
The research which lead to the conclusion ‘The most effective leaders always understand their followers’ needs’ essentially asked 10,000 individuals the following two questions:
What leader has the most positive influence in your daily life?
Now, please list three words that best describe what this person contributes to your life.
Why not stop and answer these questions for yourself now?
Four fundamental needs of followers
As the research was collated, four very clear themes emerged. The most effective leaders contributed these four things to the lives of the people who followed them:
Trust
Compassion
Stability
Hope
Just think about that list for a moment.
What stands out?
What stands out because it’s not on the list?
Your Leadership Now
In your current leadership role, whether that is a formal or informal role, how are you going with providing those four things to the people who are following you?
Building Trust
Key Question: Do you keep your word?
Key Components: Honesty, Integrity, Respecting others’ difference
Showing Compassion
Key Question: Do you have others’ best in mind?
Key Components: Care, Patience, Support, Friendship
Providing Stability
Key Question: Do others know what to expect from you?
Key Components: Security, Resilience, Consistency
Bringing Hope
Key Question: Do you inspire others about the future?
Key Components: Direction, Guidance, Vision
Two final thoughts:
Firstly, this is not complicated or difficult to understand. But it won’t happen by itself. Contributing trust, compassion, stability and hope will require you having a clear plan, and making yourself accountable for implementing that plan.
Secondly, it is true that effective leadership is not dependent on a leader having a particular personality style. HOWEVER, each of us will create and implement a far more effective plan to contribute trust, compassion, stability and hope to our people if we have high self-awareness, if we understand our own unique talents and strengths; if we know what is right with us.
At lifeincolour we consider it an enormous privilege to work with leaders in all walks of life to help them get clear on what’s right with them. We specialise in creating individualised coaching packages which accelerate the growth, accountability, learning and self-leadership of individual leaders and their teams.
We would love to chat with you about what that could look like for you, and your organisation. Please contact us to find out more.