How to Lead So Others Will Follow – Tip 4 

by Jean Gatz, Motivational Keynote Speaker

Smart leaders know they can’t do the job alone, so they make sure to surround themselves with great people. They realize that in order to stay employed, be promoted, and build and maintain a successful career, they must align themselves with people who will:

• Trust them
• Support them
• Go to bat for them
• Be honest with them and help them succeed

Good Leaders realize the importance of having strong and supportive relationships at work, at home and in the community. So they choose to associate with people whose fair and honest values and standards coincide with theirs. These invaluable people are their advocates and allies who can help them succeed.

In my experience as a motivational leadership speaker I’ve met many advocates and allies in organizations today. How many people like this do you have in your life? I ask, because you definitely need your own advocates and allies in your corner. They will stop you when you’re headed in the wrong direction, let you know when you’ve gone too far, offer helpful criticism when needed and influence you in a positive way. In today’s uncertain world, having people around you who can help you achieve your goals puts you at a definite advantage.

Most important, your advocates and allies will fight for you because they believe in you! They can be found everywhere – in all departments, divisions, branches and teams. They can be your customers, your co-workers, your employees or members of your management team. If you are really strong at building relationships you can even develop advocates and allies outside your organization.

These are all important relationships in a competitive world where people often have to fight to be noticed and recognized. The important thing to remember is this…

YOU DON’T CHOOSE YOUR ADVOCATES. THEY CHOOSE YOU.

Who can you count on to work with your best interests in mind? Because they can’t win the battle alone, you have the responsibility to give your advocates the help they need to go to bat for you by providing them with positive and solid documentation of the value you bring to the organization.

That’s not bragging and boasting. That’s just smart personal branding!

Watch this short video I from one of my keynotes about the importance of advocates and allies in your career – and in your life. And if you missed an article in this series, you can find them here.

Now is the time to make a list of your advocates and allies inside and outside your organization.

•  Are you the kind of person others believe in enough to offer guidance, help, strength and encouragement when you need it the most?
• Do people stand by you in difficult times?
• Do you ask for help and get it when you ask?
• If you answered “No” to any of the above, what can you do to start cultivating more positive relationships? (Hint: You will have to make some changes in yourself to make it work!)
• Name someone you can go to for coaching or mentoring or help in your current position. Describe how they could help you.
• What are your two best teaching skills?
• How have you assisted another person through your teaching, coaching, or mentoring efforts?

Have a STANDOUT Leadership Day!

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