I remember a scene from The Polar Express where the young girl gets her ticket punched by the conductor with the word “LEAD”. She immediately jumped to “Lead – like in lead balloon”.  The conductor gently corrected her saying “It can also be pronounced Lead – as in “leader,” “leadership.” “Lead the way.”

Just as the word can be pronounced differently (thank you English grammar gods), the action of leading people can also be orchestrated in many different ways. You will find a multitude of books on the market defining the qualities of a good leader.  Anything from how a Lieutenant leads his troops to how a CEO leads his corporation. Defining a good leader has to first start with how you want people to follow you.  

A following can be people who hang on your every word and will do anything you ask without question. It’s a blind loyalty that we see evident in cults. Usually the leader has a certain charisma that is spellbinding. The followers are usually so lost, longing to be a part of something that they gravitate towards someone who will make them feel like they belong and have worth. This type of leader is usually a master at manipulation and will twist the truth to his own benefit.

People can also follow out of fear. This may be as simple as the fear of fitting in or the deeper idea that some physical harm will befall them if they don’t ‘obey’ and follow. The military has a way of breaking down new recruits only to build them back up again. This is a type of compliance based following that has a means to an end.

The third type of followers are inspired, not out of fear or lopsided devotion but an inspiration which is developed out of respect. Seeing the actions that they idolize or wish to emulate leads them to follow so they can learn to act similar. This leading by example is a balance between teacher and counselor; Discipline and reward.  But it produces a following who will rise to a challenge or go the extra  mile because they have respect for the person leading the pack.

As a leader you can lead by instilling fear and adhering to threats as consequences. Keeping people in a place of fear does not lend itself to the most positive atmosphere or a lot of productivity. This can produce a rather volatile environment that stifles creativity. Just as leading through manipulation can be demanding as each person requires micromanagement to take even the smallest step because you have taken away their ability to think on their own.

A leader who can be balanced and gain the respect of their followers by using integrity, morals and values creates a healthy environment in which people aspire to new heights. They look to better themselves and the company. This type of leadership also cultivates strong new leaders that bring with them the same sense of integrity.  

Think about the type of leader you want to become and the type of company your style of leadership will develop. Your morals and values will be integral in the formation of your future business. And if you need a little relaxing moment or what to be reminded of leading, watch the Polar Express this holiday season.