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Do People Follow YOU or Your Title? (FutureSYNC Consultants, 2015)

So many times we buy into the wrong thing.  Many times we believe that we are a leader because of the way people treat us, what they do for us, and because of the position we hold.  We buy into believing we deserve what we are getting or how we are treated.

Most of the time we are treated a certain way because of who we are but in fact it is just because of the position we hold… Think about this for a minute, sitting in business class on a plane doesn’t mean that you are more important than the other travelers. You are sitting there and treated that way because you bought a ticket.  Some of the time we are treated a certain way in the company because of our position and not our influence.  If you didn’t hold that position would you have the same traction with individuals or departments?  Many times we are treated a certain way, followed by certain people, and listened to because of our positions and not our influence.

This is a chance to think about our influence.  Do you have influence or traction with people because of the position you hold or is it because of your contribution with others?  We make mistakes when we believe our influence is because of our contribution when it is actually because of our position.  Take a look at where your leadership is coming from.  Do you lead out of your position or out of true contribution to the work place culture and to the individuals right around you?  Would people value you or allow themselves to be led by you if your position changed? Be willing to examine whether or not your leadership value stays intact. It will if it is real , contributive leadership.