What is th best way to make people follow a leader?

The word "make" sounds negative within the context of this question.

A good leader does NOT need to make people follow him.  He usually leads the way/direction he believes in and does NOT look behind his shoulder to see if there are followers, and how many they are.

People follow the leader when ..

1. There is enough convincing  (power of influence)  ...not necessarily authority and position
2. The leader is credible enough to convince people to follow him
3. The leader leads by example, and applies to himself what he asks from others
4. The leader is honest and sincere with himself and with his followers
5. The leader has a clear vision that other people (followers) adopt and share with him

The result of such leadership would be either to bring tangible benefits to the followers one way or the other.  circumvent/avoid losses/damages/disasters , or both ..  turning problems into opportunities through such wise leadership

Become a leader.

P.S - A leader doesnt need followers, he needs team members.