It is widely documented and believed that authenticity is a key attribute in great leaders. In fact, President-elect Trump’s entire campaign rested on this notion. He was REAL – the politicians on Capitol Hill are not – it’s time for a change. It seems that the people agree. It is almost as if, the people crave it. In our current world of social media and selfies, perfect meals, perfect family vacations and perfect complexions, what people are craving more than ever is authenticity. Someone who says it like it is and someone who can relate to them. However is this enough? Is it enough to mobilize a nation of Followers? Followers who will have faith in your decisions, believe that you will lead them through the dark times and trust that your words will match your actions.
From my work with leaders across a diverse range of industries, I have learnt that authenticity, in and of itself, is most certainly not enough to mobilize and lead people towards a goal. As we embark on an historical inauguration of the 45th president of the United States of America, I would like to offer my simple equation for what I hope to see from the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world.
On the 20th January 2017, there will be a new President of the USA. Some are excited for the change, some are fearful, some are hopeful and some are indifferent. Whatever your view, it is important, now more than ever, to be a leader worth following. It starts with you. The President is one person. One person with a great deal of influence and control but he is one individual and he is nothing without Followers. If you can make a positive impact on the people around you, this will ultimately create a ripple effect and we can be a nation of Followers worth leading.