We often talk about leadership as visibility, decisiveness and authority. In practice, the most effective leaders spend just as much time following well. They listen carefully, support others’ decisions, and focus on outcomes rather than status. Followership isn’t weakness; it’s a discipline that builds trust, reduces blind spots, and improves execution. Leaders who master it spot problems earlier and create teams that perform without constant supervision. It’s not about stepping back - it’s about knowing when to step in, and how.
-
Listen to understand, not to respond. Suspend ego and resist the urge to rehearse your reply. In meetings, let others finish, summarise what you’ve heard, and check you’ve understood before offering a view. Leaders who do this catch weak signals earlier and make it safer for people to speak honestly.
-
Put outcomes ahead of credit. Design work so success is shared and visible, not owned. Talk about “what moved the dial” rather than “who did what”, and push praise outward. When results matter more than recognition, teams align around purpose rather than performance.
- Be reliably useful. Stay close to how work actually gets done. Know where decisions stall, where handovers break, and what slows execution. Remove one point of friction each week. Without that grip, strategy remains theoretical.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.
Looking for a speaker for your next event?
William Montgomery, our Founder and CEO, is available as a keynote speaker and event host. His experience as a speaker encompasses a wide number of audiences on a diverse array of subjects. He is also a volunteer for Speakers for Schools and Inspiring the Future.