Being an effective leader is all about being able to influence others and motivate them to get behind your vision.
Of course, one of the pitfalls of being in a position of leadership is the fact that no matter how charismatic and likable you are, there are bound to be people under your leadership who won’t view you as a friend.
Great leaders are those who can influence and lead all of their followers. Even those that don’t like or respect them right out of the gate.
If you would like to command the obedience of your enemies, here are a few practical tips to follow.
Influence
by Robert Cialdini
⏱ 16 minute reading time
🎧 Audio version available
Reciprocation: Give Before You Take
It’s difficult to dislike someone when they have done something beneficial for you. Before you can benefit from the loyalty and respect of your followers, you have to first earn that loyalty and respect by giving before you take.
In many cases, all that it takes to earn loyalty and respect is to show loyalty and respect yourself.
If you can demonstrate that you genuinely care about those under your leadership and are dedicated to helping them reach their goals. They help you reach yours, they will be much more inclined to follow your lead.
Consistency: Stay Consistent and Disciplined
One of the top attributes of a great leader is the ability to stay consistent and disciplined.
Your followers will look to you to set the standard for how they should perform in the workplace.
If you are consistent, disciplined, and professional, even the people under your leadership who don’t see you as a friend will be more consistent, disciplined, and professional as well.
Related: Why Being Vulnerable is Actually Good for You
Social Proof: Why We Look to Others For What We Should Think and Do
A big part of human psychology is the fact that we are all influenced by social proof. The tendency to look to others for how we should think and act. This is something that you can take advantage of as a leader.
Lead by example and set the tone for how your followers should work while under your leadership to leverage the potential of social proof.
Liking: People Follow People They Like
It’s a simple fact that people follow and respect leaders that they like. Do everything you can to win the hearts of your followers, and you will win their support as well.
Authority: Obedience, Power, and Leadership
People respond to authority and power even when they don’t necessarily like the person who is in the position of authority.
While being liked is undoubtedly a great way to influence your followers better. Exuding confidence, authority and power will command the obedience of those who like you and those who don’t.
If you are going to be an effective leader, you need to act the part.
While this doesn’t mean that you should be an overbearing authoritarian. It does mean that your followers should look to you as a figure of power and authority that needs to be obeyed.
Scarcity: Shortage Makes Everything Desirable
If you want to motivate a person or group of people to get behind your vision, one of the most useful things that you can do is instill them with a sense of scarcity.
Sell them on your vision as if it is a wonderful opportunity that must quickly take advantage of to get them inspired and motivated to pursue that vision with all they have.
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