The 11 Leadership Secrets You’ve Never Heard About

August Turak argues that the line between leaders and followers have blurred–that every good leader also needs to be a good follower, and vice versa. He offers these 11 suggestions for how to be a great follower who “follows by leading,” which he suggests are also great leadership traits:

1. Seize the initiative by bringing forward fresh ideas.
2. Create your own job by offering a plan of action to your boss before he asks for it or gives it.
3. Be coachable by trying new things others suggest.
4. Anticipate. Try to stay a step ahead of your boss.
5. Communicate proactively and in writing.
6. Use future goals to prioritize today’s activity.
7. Show, don’t tell. Actions speak louder than words.
8. Earn trust by keeping promises.
9. Offer solutions.
10. Be compassionate and sympathetic, especially toward your boss and his/her pressures.
11. Be loyal and make your boss look good.

 Authors: August Turak