Become a Better Leader: Leadership Skills to Go From Follower to Leader in the Workplace

In every organization, there is a small group that breaks through the boundaries of imitation and rises to lead by example. Moving from follower to leader requires not only skill refinement but also a mindset shift. This article explores the key steps to join the elite 5% of leaders who shape the business world and drive innovation forward.

The Story of an Unlikely Leader

Imagine a small, cramped office in the heart of Silicon Valley. Amidst a sea of tech geniuses and seasoned entrepreneurs, a quiet software developer named Alex worked diligently, often overlooked. Alex was skilled at coding but always followed established norms, never questioning or innovating. That is, until a project failure forced Alex to step up. What happened next transformed not only Alex’s career but also the company’s trajectory.

The 5% Leadership Phenomenon

“Since 95 percent of the people are imitators and only 5 percent initiators, people are persuaded more by the actions of others than by any proof we can offer.” — Cavett Robert, founder of the National Speakers Association.

This quote captures a profound truth about human behavior in business. Most people observe and imitate, while a select few lead by example. In the business world, a study by Deloitte mirrors Robert’s observation: only about 5% of employees are classified as “innovators” or “change agents.” This means that for every groundbreaking idea, 19 others are simply waiting to see how it plays out before following suit.

The Imitator’s Mindset

Every day in business, we see this ratio in action. The majority of employees hesitate to innovate, waiting for someone else to take the risk. But how does one move from being a follower to joining the elite 5% who lead?

The Journey to Leadership

Leadership is a journey that often requires us to step back and reexamine what we know. In a world filled with constraints and expectations, embracing a child-like curiosity can unlock our true potential. By focusing on essential skills and prioritizing authenticity, leaders can create environments that foster growth and innovation. Explore key principles to help you become a more effective leader in today’s dynamic landscape.

1. Unlearn to Relearn

Children are inherently fearless and curious. They believe they can achieve anything. As we grow, education and societal norms teach us fear and limitation. To become a leader, you must revert to this child-like audacity.

Unschooling is an educational philosophy that encourages children to learn through their interests and experiences rather than a structured curriculum. This approach fosters independence, critical thinking, and creativity, preparing kids for the future without the constraints of traditional schooling. For a deeper dive into unschooling and its benefits, check out this article.

Elon Musk, when asked about his success with SpaceX and Tesla, often cites his disregard for traditional industry norms. His willingness to approach problems like a child—asking “Why not?”—has propelled him into leadership roles.

2. Focus on Essential Skills

Communication – A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers ranks communication skills at the top of what employers seek in new hires. Clear, effective communication is vital for leadership.

Decision-Making – Leaders are often defined by their ability to make tough decisions quickly. Research by Harvard Business Review shows that effective leaders combine intuition with data to make informed decisions.

Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman’s work highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. Leaders who manage their emotions and empathize with others foster better team environments.

3. Embrace Authenticity and Risk

Leaders aren’t afraid to be themselves or take risks, even if it might lead to embarrassment. This builds resilience against social pressures.

Example: Sheryl Sandberg, after her husband’s sudden death, openly shared her grief and coping mechanisms. Her vulnerability not only humanized her but also strengthened her leadership position at Facebook (now Meta).

Authenticity Over Approval

Example: Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, openly shares her failures as learning opportunities, not just her successes. Her authenticity has made her relatable and inspiring, fostering innovation within her company.

4. Focus on Others

Leaders focus on what’s best for the team or organization, not just themselves. This shift from personal success to collective growth is fundamental.

Practical Steps to Shift from Follower to Leader

• Seek Feedback – Like a child learning to walk, leaders must not fear falling. Regularly seeking feedback helps improve and offers new perspectives essential for adaptive leadership.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Train yourself to make decisions quickly. Practice scenarios in controlled environments to build confidence in real-world applications.
• Public Speaking – Start by speaking in front of smaller groups, gradually increasing the audience size. This builds confidence and reduces the fear of judgment.
• Embrace Failure – Leaders understand that failure is a stepping stone. Develop a mindset where failures are analyzed for lessons rather than avoided.

The Path to the Elite 5%

Becoming part of the elite 5% isn’t about sudden transformation but a series of deliberate steps toward unlearning, relearning, and embracing discomfort. Leaders aren’t born; they’re made through experiences that challenge them to grow beyond conventional limits.

Remember Alex from our story? After the project failure, Alex embraced the role of a leader, questioning the status quo and engaging the team in decision-making. By showing vulnerability, Alex solved the immediate crisis and set a new leadership precedent within the company.

From Follower to Leader

The journey from follower to leader is not just about personal growth—it’s about inspiring those around you. By adopting the right mindset and refining essential skills, anyone can move toward becoming part of the elite 5%: the leaders who shape the future rather than simply follow it.