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on March 8, 2023 in Explaining

It has often been said that if you think you are a leader and look behind you to find no one is following, you are merely taking a walk.  I know you want to be a leader worth following, that is why are you reading this article.

A Leader Worth Following

To help you become such a leader, let’s learn from someone who has amassed quite a large following – Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.  Recently, the recording of his combine interview with general manager Howie Roseman was released.

His comments give insight into what you must do to become a leader worth following.  First, read Rick Karle’s Facebook post and then we will break down Hurts’s comments:

Hurts said, “I’m not going into these places saying, ‘Hey, come on, y’all got to follow me.’ That’s earned, that’s not given. People lead because their peers let them. I don’t know, for some odd reason, people follow me everywhere I’ve been… I’m a student and I want to learn. I just want to maximize all the gifts I have so I can be the best I can be, and be an asset to some people, an organization and impact the people around me and bring some people with me.”

8 Things You Must Do To Become A Leader Worth Following

The following are eight things you must do to become a leader worth following we learn from Hurts’s interview.  First is the lesson followed by Hurts’s comments:

  1. To Become A Leader Worth Following You Must First Earn It – Hurts said, “That’s earned, that’s not given.”  He knows there is a difference between positional leadership and influence.  You must earn the right to influence.  It is not given and cost is often blood, sweat, and tears.
  2. Becoming A Leader Worth Following Requires Permission – Hurts correctly observed, “People lead because their peers let them.”  Trust is required.  Influence is ultimately a gift given to you by others and should be stewarded well.
  3. Becoming A Leader Worth Following Requires A Track Record Of Success – Whether it was at the University of Alabama, University of Oklahoma, or currently at the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts has had significant influence at every stop.  This is obviously not a one-time leadership event.  He has had significant influence everywhere he has been.  Hurts acknowledged, “I don’t know, for some odd reason, people follow me everywhere I’ve been.”
  4. A Leader Worth Following Is A Continual Learner – They are committed to personal growth and always getting better.  They don’t remain stagnant.  Hurts said, “I’m a student and I want to learn.”
  5. A Leader Worth Following Achieves Their Full Potential – Leaders like Jalen Hurts set the standard for work ethic, attitude, intolerance, and commitment to their team’s success.  The concept of not achieving their full redemptive potential is intolerable for apex leaders.  Hurts noted, “I just want to maximize all the gifts I have so I can be the best I can be”
  6. A Leader Worth Following Is An Asset – Everyone gets better when a leader gets better.  Leaders are the tide that lifts all ships.  Hurts wants to “be an asset to some people, an organization.”
  7. A Leader Worth Following Focuses On Impact – Great leaders don’t need titles, they want influence.  They want to make a difference in people’s lives.  Great leaders want to make an impact.  Hurts said he wants to “impact the people around me”
  8. A Leader Worth Following Is A Teambuilder – Leadership is a team sport.  There is nothing worse than reaching the pinnacle of your industry and being all alone.  They are the ultimate teammate.  Wherever Hurts’s superlative leadership skills take him, he wants to “bring some people with me.”

For more on the leadership brilliance of Jalen Hurts, read the following articles:

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