The 2nd Dimension of Leadership — People Leadership

If self-leadership is the foundation, people leadership is the framework that determines how high you can build.

In the first dimension of Transformational Leadership, we explored how mastering yourself lays the groundwork for meaningful leadership. But the truth is—leadership isn’t just about you! It’s about how you serve, influence, and grow others.

Great leaders don’t climb the ladder alone. They bring people with them. And that’s what the 2nd dimension is all about: People Leadership—the ability to lead others with integrity, intentionality, and insight.

Let’s break this down through five principles of people leadership and then layer in a practical tool for understanding people better: the DISC behavioral model.

Leadership Is Influence, Nothing More, Nothing Less

Influence is the currency of leadership. You don’t lead people because of your title—you lead them because of your impact. People follow leaders they trust, admire, and respect.

As a people leader, your influence is built over time through consistency, empathy, communication, and results. Influence is not about controlling others—it’s about inspiring action, earning loyalty, and creating momentum.

💡 Growth Insight: Ask yourself—Am I a leader people want to follow or have to follow?

Leaders Add Value by Serving Others

This flips traditional leadership on its head. Leadership isn’t about being served—it’s about serving. True leaders look for ways to add value to the lives of those they lead.

Whether it’s mentoring, removing obstacles, developing their strengths, or recognizing their efforts—great people leaders are committed to others’ growth. When people know you’re invested in them, they give more than just effort—they give trust.

💡 Growth Insight: Where can you add value today—without expecting anything in return?

Trust Is the Foundation of Leadership

People won’t follow someone they don’t trust. My friend and mentor John C. Maxwell says, “Trust is like change in a leader’s pocket. Each time you make good leadership decisions, you earn more change. But when you make poor ones, you spend it.”

Integrity, follow-through, and alignment between your words and actions are non-negotiables in people leadership. One broken promise or ego-driven decision can damage years of influence. But consistent, character-driven leadership builds solid ground beneath every relationship.

💡 Growth Insight: What’s one way you can rebuild trust with your team or peers this week?

People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themselves

Respect is earned, not demanded. People follow those they believe in—leaders who demonstrate competence, courage, character, and care.

But here’s the secret: the most respected leaders are also the most respectful. They honor the people they lead. They listen deeply. They give credit. They don’t need to be the smartest in the room—they elevate others to be.

If you want respect, model it first.

💡 Growth Insight: Who on your team needs to know you respect and believe in them?

Who You Are Is Who You Attract

As a leader, your energy, mindset, and values are contagious. You don’t just attract people—you attract people like you.

If you’re committed, growth-oriented, humble, and emotionally intelligent—you’ll naturally attract others who align with that. But if you lead with ego, blame, or disconnection, you’ll attract disengagement or dysfunction.

Your leadership sets the tone. Who you’re becoming determines who you’re building around you.

💡 Growth Insight: Look at your current team—what does it reflect about your leadership?

How DISC Strengthens People Leadership

Knowing how to lead people well also means knowing how they’re wired. This is where DISC comes in.

DISC is a behavioral assessment that categorizes people into four primary styles:

• D (Dominance): Direct, results-oriented, competitive.

• I (Influence): Outgoing, people-oriented, enthusiastic.

• S (Steadiness): Supportive, loyal, calm, consistent.

• C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented, analytical, systematic.

When you understand someone’s DISC style, you can:

• Communicate in a way they understand

• Motivate them based on what matters to them

• Resolve conflict with greater empathy

• Delegate in alignment with their strengths

People leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. DISC helps you lead individuals, not just teams. It builds trust, lowers miscommunication, and raises performance.

💡 Growth Insight: Do you know your team’s DISC styles? Are you leading them in the way they best respond?

Leadership Is Always About People

No matter how strong your vision or strategy is, if you don’t lead people well—you won’t go far.

The 2nd Dimension of Transformational Leadership reminds us that success is not about how far you go, but how far you can take others. And that requires influence, trust, service, and understanding.

Lead people with intention. Lead people with respect. Lead people with insight.

Ready to Elevate Your Leadership and Your Team?

If you're ready to lead with more influence, build a culture of trust, and unlock the full potential of your team—I’d love to support you through personalized Business Leadership Coaching.

I integrate proven leadership principles, DISC behavioral analysis, and real-world team dynamics to help leaders like you grow themselves and their people.

🔗 Apply now for Business Leadership Coaching

Let’s develop the leader your team wants to follow.