If you're a manager, that alone simply doesn't make you a leader.

Job positions and titles don't automatically make you a leader. Instead, the moment you become a leader is when people choose to follow you.

Remember this: Following another person is always the choice of an individual. 

It doesn't come with force, punishments, or rewards, and certainly not with threats. So, if you don't have people that follow you by their own choice, you're not a leader.

Managers are best served and most effective when their people want to work with them. 

How Can Managers Persuade People to Follow Them? 

As a manager, you probably had to climb the ladder to reach the position where you are today. Throughout your journey, there might be someone who inspired you. think about that person. Assess the traits that made you follow them.

Here is what you can ask yourself: 

• What factors were behind your decision to choose them? 
• Did you trust the other person?
• How did they win your trust?

There can be multiple reasons why you choose to follow someone. Now keep the answers to the above questions in your mind and think why someone would want to follow you.

Is it because of your leadership style or because your ideas stand out?

Think of all the things that would inspire people. That way, you can incorporate all the good qualities of a respectful leader who people would want to follow. 

Best Leadership Strategies for Managers

Know this: Following another person is a choice.

Managers who want to become leaders can implement a few strategies: 

Allow Your People to Be Creative

Managers who encourage their people to develop new ideas will likely become better leaders. It is equally important to respect their ideas and encourage them if they come up with a new and creative plan. 

Empower Your People 

Giving your people autonomy and freedom over certain decisions can also help position yourself as a respected leader. It will be okay, even better when you let them decide on a few matters according to their best judgment. Even if it doesn't work out perfectly, there will likely be positive outcomes you never would have imagined on your own.

Be Upfront with Others 

Managers might hide a few things from their people with good intentions of saving them from stress. However, the approach can backfire and lead to trust issues if employees learn about something from other sources. So, it is essential to be honest about everything with your employees to show you value them. 

Share Your Values

Lastly, if you are open about your values and ideas, you'll be able to connect with like-minded people. People will most readily follow those who are transparent and vulnerable. Moreover, this will allow both you and your people to understand one another - often you will discover that people share many of the same thoughts and feelings you do. 

Wrapping Up 

Leadership is always a choice. You don't become a leader as soon as you are promoted to a manager role. You will have to earn the respect of the people who work with and for you.

Leadership is also your choice. 

How do you choose to lead?