The Laws of Attraction (and Retention)
How many LinkedIn, X, Instagram or TikTok followers are required for an individual to be officially referred to as an ‘influencer’? What is the follower threshold to move into cult territory? How many loyal followers do we need to be considered an inspiring leader?
What socials have taught us is that the numbers are unreliable. An influencer’s following can disappear (or rocket) in an instant, based on the ethics, morals, opinions, and actions outlined in personal published content, or by the news or opinion pieces produced about them.
The same applies to us as leaders, or as cultural architects within a team. Why would anyone want to follow us? ICC coaching clients find this one of the toughest questions to answer. It’s hard to achieve business results without followers, and gaining the support of empowered and engaged teams is a continued challenge for any leader or team member.
So, this week, we thought we would outline the hard and soft criteria for attracting support and growing a following:
Hard Criteria
- Start with WHY – what’s the ultimate purpose?
- Share the VISION – paint a verbal picture
- Provide DIRECTION – bring the roadmap to life
- Communicate with ENERGY – motivate yourself to motivate others
- Demonstrate CREDIBILITY – do your research, commit to learning
- Display RELIABILITY – deliver on commitments
Soft Criteria
- Know your USP’s – unearth your unique qualities and use them for the good of others, dare to be different; be clear on how your values translate to positive experiences for others
- Be APPROACHABLE – demonstrate humility, vulnerability, and remain humble
- Keep PERSPECTIVE – pay attention to the soft data, context, opinions, and emotions; become a sensor
- Harness EMPATHY – change seats, see what the view looks like from there; balance respect for individuals and the work of others, while remaining true to the joint commitment to results
Financial results for social media influencers come primarily from personal product sales, brand partnerships or campaign support. Follower numbers and hard criteria are used as the principal metrics for business strategy. But it’s the soft criteria that retains followers, secures longevity, and builds loyalty.
To ensure that we remain relevant and inspiring as leaders, team members, or partners, consider what it’s like to follow you. What are your laws of attraction? Would you want to be led by you? If you want help finding the answers, get in touch, we’d be delighted to help!
You’re In Cool Company
