Becoming a leader who develops leaders requires an entirely different focus and attitude from simply attracting and leading followers. It takes a different mind-set. Consider some of the differences between leaders who attract followers and leaders who develop leaders. Here are six differences in comparing the two types of leaders.
1. A strong leader will develop leaders around him so that his team can successfully continue with, or without him.
Leaders Who Attract Followers ... Want to Be Needed
Leaders Who Develop Leaders ... Want to Be Succeeded
2. A strong leader will invest the time and effort in developing the leaders around him. These will be the leaders of the future.
Leaders Who Attract Followers ... Develop the Bottom 20 Percent
Leaders Who Develop Leaders ... Develop the Top 20 Percent
3. A strong leader will build on the strengths of his followers. He realizes that we all have a different skill set and that it is better to enhance the gifts we already have and utilize them accordingly.
Leaders Who Attract Followers ... Focus on Weakness
Leaders Who Develop Leaders ... Focus on Strengths
4. A strong leader will recognize potential and will make sure that those willing to invest in themselves will receive the opportunities to do so.
Leaders Who Attract Followers ... Treat Individuals the Same
Leaders Who Develop Leaders ... Treat Individuals Differently
5. A strong leader will make every minute count. Time spent with his followers will focus on personal and professional growth.
Leaders Who Attract Followers ... Spend Time with Others
Leaders Who Develop Leaders ... Invest Time in Others
6. A strong leader recognizes that developing leaders around him will exponentially create-a larger group of leaders. Leaders will develop more leaders and followers will simply continue to follow.
Leaders Who Attract Followers ... Grow by Addition
Leaders Who Develop Leaders ... Grow by Multiplication
Please respond to the following questions:
1. Why do you think some leaders prefer to lead followers instead of leading leaders?
2. How do you feel about being succeeded?
3. What attitudes or views about leadership do you need to adjust in order to lead leaders?