How did successful leaders gain followers among Great Basin peoples?

Among the Indigenous peoples of the Great Basin, leadership was not based on formal political hierarchies or inherited positions. Instead, the social organization of both pedestrian and equestrian groups was highly fluid, characterized by small, mobile bands with flexible membership.1

A leader gained and maintained followers primarily through demonstrated competence and success. Specifically, individuals were followed as long as they were successful in leading the group to food resources or in conducting warfare. Because the arid environment necessitated frequent movement and made it difficult for large groups to remain together for extended periods, the relationship between a leader and their followers was voluntary and pragmatic. If a leader failed to provide for the group’s needs or proved unsuccessful in their endeavors, followers would simply leave to join other bands or form new ones.1