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Would your team follow you if they didn't have to?
The best leaders don’t demand loyalty—they earn it. But here’s the real test: If your team had a choice, would they still follow you? True followership isn’t about titles—it’s about trust, authenticity, and advocacy. The best leaders don’t just execute strategy—they champion people. On the flip side, people don’t leave companies; they leave bad leaders.
Question: Think about a leader you admired. Did they have to be your boss for you to follow them? Chances are, they earned your loyalty through how they showed up, led, and made you feel.
Leadership Without Authority
Followership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about how people choose to align with a leader. Some leaders have direct reports who won’t go beyond their job description. Others have no formal power, yet people seek their guidance and rally behind them. Which type of leader are you? Some of the most influential leaders have no formal authority yet still command deep respect.
Three Ways to Build Followership Through Advocacy:
Self-Check – answer these honestly:
- Do people seek your input even when they don’t have to?
- Are you influencing decisions beyond your direct authority?
- Have you actively helped someone else grow or advance in their career?
- Would your peers or direct reports describe you as someone who lifts others up?
If you hesitated on any, it’s time to rethink how you build followership.
- Create value, not just directives – People follow those who help them grow.
- Be someone worth following – Lead by example, with integrity and authenticity.
- Invest in others’ success – Advocate for people even when they’re not in the room.
Founder Personal Story:
Throughout my career, I was often a team of one, leading transformational projects. Because senior leaders asked for this work, colleagues assumed I would bulldoze my way in—disrupting without consideration.
But instead of dictating change, I led with curiosity. I met with key players, listened before recommending actions, and built trust through transparency. More importantly, I became known as a truth teller—unafraid to highlight organizational blind spots while pushing for the best long-term outcome. Not everyone liked me, but when a business redesign was happening, leaders wanted me at the table. They knew I would ensure the right thing was done, even if it wasn’t the easiest or most popular path.
Think of someone you followed voluntarily—maybe a mentor, a peer, or a past boss. What made them stand out?
The Power of Advocacy in Leadership
Leaders who advocate don’t just push their teams forward; they invest in their success.
Advocacy-driven leaders:
- Champion others instead of just managing them.
- Build trust through transparency and real conversations.
- Ensure their people are seen, valued, and empowered.
Advocacy builds a culture where people don’t just work for a paycheck—they work because they believe in the leader and the vision.
Reflection Prompt: Think of the best leader you've ever had. What did they do that made you trust them, follow them, and feel invested in?
