“A most important key to successful leadership is your ability to direct and challenge the very best that is in those whom you lead.” Anonymous

More than a few articles have been written about the key to successful leadership. As such, I hesitate to use a thought describing one area to encompass the whole of successful leadership.

However, this quote describes a powerful connection between leaders and followers.

Leadership cannot succeed alone. As others have pointed out, if no one is following, we are not leading, but simply taking a walk.

Since leadership depends on followers, it only makes sense to understand the need to find a way to draw out their best.

A former employer of mine used to say; “if you take care of those who are under you, they will take care of you.”

Adjustments may be required for leaders to develop the ability to challenge followers to draw out their very best. The ability to do so can make the difference between success and failure.