10 Habits of Leaders Who Inspire Trust and Loyalty

As long as there have been jobs, managers have often been a source of stress for their employees. Have you ever thought about how much stress you might be introducing to your team?

According to one survey, 75% of employees say that their immediate manager is the most stressful part of their job. A global study revealed that 69% of people believe their managers significantly influence their mental health—more than their doctors (51%) or therapists (41%).

How would your team respond to this question? Do you create obstacles for your staff, making it difficult for them to work effectively with you?

“He’s a pretty easy guy to follow.”

This was a comment from a friend during our discussion about her boss. After years of working together, she appreciates their strong rapport and attributes her job satisfaction largely to how manageable her boss is. Her remark prompted me to reflect on my own leadership style: Am I easy to follow? Ultimately, the opinions that matter are those of my team members.

What characteristics make a leader easy to follow? The answers might seem simple and straightforward, but they often remain unpracticed due to our individual quirks and past experiences.

Upon reflection, I’ve identified ten leadership practices that characterize leaders who are easy to follow:

1. Be nice—It’s unfortunate that this needs to be emphasized, but it does. Numerous leaders exhibit unkind behavior, allowing authority to cloud their judgment. Being nice costs nothing yet can significantly enhance your team’s engagement and productivity. A simple smile, a “please,” or a “thank you,” or even asking how someone’s day is going can make a world of difference.
2. Give your time—One of the most valuable gifts leaders can offer is their time. Many leaders claim to maintain an open-door policy, but is this truly the case? When an employee approaches your office, do you drop everything to listen, or do you defer to scheduling a meeting later? Ensure that your team feels comfortable approaching you with any concern, by eliminating barriers between you and them. Consider hosting regular meetings to facilitate open communication, ensuring your calendar has sufficient flexibility to accommodate drop-in discussions.
3. Don’t expect everyone to be like you—This can be especially tricky for leaders who lean towards perfectionism. While it’s commendable to hold high expectations for yourself—often a catalyst for reaching leadership positions—it’s vital to remember that team members may have different approaches. Give them the freedom to leverage their unique strengths toward achieving both individual and team goals, instead of molding them to fit your style.
4. Solicit and incorporate ideas—Many leaders ask for input, but few actively incorporate those ideas. Dismissing team suggestions will quickly alienate them. When you invite feedback, ensure you utilize it; this builds investment in the team’s success. People who contribute to the planning stage are less likely to resist the execution of those plans.
5. Be skilled at your role—It may seem obvious, but people prefer to follow leaders who demonstrate competence. Set a standard by continuously improving both your technical and leadership skills. Remember, many leaders ascend to management from individual contributor roles; ensure you focus on the additional competencies required for effective leadership.
6. Empower your team—Empowerment was once a buzzword that faded with time, but the concept remains relevant. Strong leaders define clear boundaries and expectations for their teams, then allow them the freedom to operate within those parameters. Avoid micromanaging how work is executed; concentrate on managing outcomes.
7. Recognize and reward performance—Effective leaders excel at identifying and acknowledging positive contributions. Celebrate the successes of your team and individually recognize hard work. In training sessions, I often ask participants if they’re fatigued by praise in the workplace; no one ever raises their hand. People thrive on positive feedback.
8. Treat others with respect—Too many individuals dread their office environment because of bullying or intimidation. It is a leader’s responsibility to cultivate a safe and trusting atmosphere where team members can thrive. Ensure the workplace is a space where everyone feels comfortable and valued.
9. Show humor and keep work engaging—Leaders who are easy to follow often infuse humor and enjoyment into the workplace. This establishes camaraderie and helps lighten the mood during challenging times. Demonstrating vulnerability and authenticity can make you more relatable and approachable.
10. Maintain perspective on life—While work holds importance, life holds greater significance. Leaders who are easy to follow recognize the significance of holistic support—understanding challenges beyond the workplace. Show empathy and compassion; doing so fosters loyalty, trust, and commitment from your team.

Leadership can be intricate, but it need not be complicated. Adhering to these straightforward principles can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness. Sometimes, it’s about stepping aside to allow these attributes to flourish.

What additional characteristics would you include? What traits enable a leader to be easy to follow? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.