The following article was published in WEACT Newsletter , February 2005.

How to Lead so People Will Follow
Joelle K. Jay, Ph.D.

WEACT kicked off the year with a January seminar led by Dr. Joelle Jay, “How to Lead So People Will Follow.” Participants learned how to define their natural leadership style, get more out of employees, and use their strengths as a positive and powerful influence.

The seminar was based on strengths-based leadership: the assumption that the best leaders know how to leverage individual strengths to improve effectiveness. The process for developing strengths involves identifying those strengths, comparing them to leadership style, and aligning the two.

In addition to becoming clear about their own strengths, leaders must also develop strengths in others. Research shows that doing so dramatically affects turnover, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The process involves asking,

• What dos this person do well?
• What does this person enjoy?
• What can this person be counted on for?

Sincere efforts to bring out the best in others makes them happier, more efficient, and more effective.

Sandi Milton, Public Relations Account Executive at the Rose/Glenn Group, reported, “I absolutely loved this presentation! Joelle’s examples really bring the concepts to life. I can't wait to try my ‘leading from strength’ actions.”

Participants left the seminar with an understanding that no matter how good a leader may be, strengths-based leadership enhances their potential.

Joelle Jay, Ph.D., is the owner and president of Pillar Consulting LLC, a leadership development firm in Reno, N.V., specializing in leadership and personal effectiveness. She coaches business leaders and executives in achieving success while maintaining a healthy life balance. She can be reached at Joelle@pillar-consulting.com.

Reprinted with permission from WEACT Newsletter, February 2005.