The simple reason why people leave managers, not companies.

There are thousands of books, millions of definitions, and billions of opinions about the essence of leadership.

One of those definitions is that you’re not a leader without followers — simple. But some followers are not followers because they have chosen you to lead them.

They follow you because you are their boss or the boss of their boss. You have a title and pay their salary. Unfortunately, a title and paycheck don’t make you a leader.

What makes you a leader is when people follow you because you help them grow as individuals.

That’s when you’re making a difference. When people feel you have their best interest in mind. That best interest is that you care about their development.

Let me make one exception. Some people just want to do their job. They’re happy where they are, good at what they do, and don’t want to go anywhere. They have no desire to lead other people. They are the so-called key professionals.

Maybe you’re a key professional. But being one doesn’t mean you don’t want to be recognized for what you do. A good leader knows this. They don’t chase you to move up the ladder if you don’t want to, but they do make sure you know they value your…