Leadership, Influence and Followership Psychology
Influence has taken on a whole new meaning as of late. With the rise of social media and online platforms, the ability to inspire, persuade, and lead has become more accessible than ever before. But what is it that truly makes someone influential? Is it their charisma, their expertise, or something more profound? As it turns out, the psychology of followership plays a crucial role in determining who rises to the top and who gets lost in the noise.
Enrolment in a “Big Idea”
One of the key factors in building influence is the ability to enroll others in a “big idea.” This means presenting a vision or message that is compelling, unique, and resonates with your audience. It’s not just about having a great product or service, but about creating a movement that people want to be a part of.
Think about some of the most influential figures in recent history:
– Steve Jobs and his vision for a more connected, creative world through technology
– Elon Musk and his mission to revolutionize transportation and energy
– Oprah Winfrey and her message of empowerment and self-improvement
What do they all have in common? They presented a big idea that captured people’s imaginations and inspired them to join the cause.
The Importance of Your First Follower
While having a big idea is essential, it’s not enough on its own. To truly gain traction and build influence, you need to attract your first follower. This is the person who believes in your vision and is willing to publicly support and promote it.
Why is the first follower so important? Because they serve as a catalyst for others to join in. They provide social proof that your idea has merit and is worth paying attention to. Without that initial support, even the most brilliant ideas can fall flat.
Consider the famous video of the “dancing guy” at the Sasquatch Music Festival. At first, he’s just one lone figure dancing on a hill. But then, one brave soul joins in, followed by another, and another. Before long, the entire hillside is filled with people dancing together. That’s the power of the first follower.
Social Proof
Building on the concept of the first follower, social proof is another critical factor in gaining influence. This refers to the idea that people are more likely to follow and support something if they see others doing the same.
Right now, social proof takes many forms:
– The number of followers or subscribers you have on social media
– The ratings and reviews of your products or services
– Testimonials from satisfied customers or clients
– Endorsements from other influential figures in your industry
When people see that others trust and value what you have to offer, they are more likely to do the same. It’s a psychological shortcut that helps them feel more confident in their decision to follow your lead.
Know, Like & Trust
Another key aspect of building influence is the “know, like, and trust” factor. This means that people are more likely to follow and support you if they feel a personal connection and sense of trust.
How can you foster this connection? By being authentic, transparent, and consistent in your messaging and actions. Share your story, your struggles, and your successes. Engage with your audience and show that you value their input and feedback. Deliver on your promises and always strive to provide value.
When people feel like they know you, like you, and trust you, they are much more likely to become loyal followers and advocates for your brand.
Experience vs. Exposure
Finally, it’s important to recognize the difference between experience and exposure when it comes to building influence. Just because someone has a large following or gets a lot of media attention doesn’t necessarily mean they have true influence.
Real influence comes from the experience you create for your followers. It’s about the impact you have on their lives, the value you provide, and the way you make them feel. When you focus on creating a meaningful, transformative experience, you build a deeper level of trust and loyalty that goes beyond surface-level exposure.
The Art and Science of Influence
Building influence is both an art and a science. It requires a combination of big ideas, social proof, personal connection, and a focus on creating meaningful experiences for your followers. By understanding the psychology of followership and applying these principles to your own brand and message, you can rise above the noise and make a lasting impact on the world.
So, what’s your big idea? Who will be your first follower? And how will you create an experience that inspires others to join your cause? The path to influence starts with these questions – and the answers are up to you.
