What do followers want from their leaders and why is it important for a follower to view the leader realistically?
The best people who can judge the effectiveness of a leader is his followers. It is then the concern of every leader to determine what it is that followers want from them. There are different styles of leadership and each style should conform to the needs, wants and expectations of the follower. It all boils down to what the followers believe is the role that a leader must perform. For most followers, a leader should be someone whom they can believe in. They want leaders who know where the organization or group is headed to. They expect their leaders to be highly-principled, with a strong set of values, honest, courageous and always ready to defend them if necessary.
According to Murray, another important quality of a leader which followers want is that he should be someone who inspires them to work (2012). Followers want a leader who motivates them to do their best. His passion for work must rub on to them. He must be a good listener, one who listens and values the views of his followers. They expect their leaders to trust them and they in turn will trust him. Subordinates want their leader to appreciate them and value their contribution to the organization.
Another characteristic that followers look for in a leader is humility. Subordinates like a leader who is humble enough to accept his mistakes. Followers value a leader who asks their opinions on matters which are not his expertise. Murray pointed out that another important trait that followers want from their leader is his ability to effectively communicate to them (2012). He emphasized that communicating with passion will result in action from the followers.
The abovementioned qualities are ideal for a leader to possess. However, followers must also realize that leaders are also human and therefore, not perfect. It is important that followers understand this reality so as not to expect too much from their leaders. Followers must be aware that leaders make mistakes too. They must accept the fact that their leaders may not live up to their expectations; otherwise, they will be disappointed. What is essential is for them to cooperate with their leader because singly, a leader without supportive followers cannot fulfill the mission, objectives and goals of an organization.
References
Murray, K. (2012, March 14). What followers want from leaders. Retrieved from languageofleadersbook.com: http://www.languageofleadersbook.com/blog/view/what-followers-want-from-leaders/
