Many of us thrive on the thought of being a leader. We seek positions of social influence; requiring the enlistment of others to follow our lead. We desire this position because it’s the best way to reach a common goal. This article examines the prerequisite to effective leadership – the art of following. I label “following” as a prerequisite because in order to be an effective leader, it’s necessary to understand the driving forces behind those who follow.
- As a doctor must understand the role of a nurse; a leader must understand WHY followers follow.
- As a teacher must understand the aptitude level of a student; a leader must understand HOW followers develop the desire to follow.
- As an engineer understands mechanical operations; a leader must understand WHAT benefits come as a result of acquiring a good follower.
The word “follower” is greatly misunderstood. It’s tagged with shades of negativity because of its requirement of dependence on others. In our world of Independent thinkers and seekers, a concept that challenges the protocol of individualism gets looked down upon. But how is leadership any different? In order to lead we must depend on another source to follow, right? It’s my hope to offer a new perspective on the art following; a perspective that will make you a better leader.
As I eagerly proceed along my journey as a student of life, I realize that I’m much more of a follower than I ever thought. I once blindly called myself a leader, simply because I didn’t want the title of a follower. My perception of a follower was purely negative and unfairly ruled. I thought followers were weak minded, lacked the ability to think on their own, had poor self-esteem, and little to no self-worth.
I honestly dreaded displaying my previous thoughts of a follower. But I did so because you might share the same inaccurate depiction of what a follower is. A depiction that I hope changes by the conclusion of this article.
Dispelling the Negative Myth of being a Follower
We’re all followers. We follow the law, we follow certain individuals that you look up to, we follow a higher power (maybe…hopefully), we follow mentors, we follow our parents, and we follow leaders. Being a follower is a thing to embrace, not be ashamed of. It doesn’t make you weak or vulnerable; it just means that you follow a natural course of life. Simply, it is what it is.
Being a follower is a neutral position, just as being a leader is neutral. It’s not better or worse than anything else. Just as one can be a bad follower, one can be a bad leader.
Followers want results too
Think about it, why do we read self-help books – for results. Why do we continue our education as adults – for results. Most things that we do are acts requiring us to follow someone’s direction in order to obtain a certain goal. Just as leaders are driven by reaching a certain result, followers are too.
We follow for a reason [WHY]. Understanding the reason why followers follow is essential to being an effective leader. Here are 3 reasons (of many) why we follow:
> we follow to learn
> we follow to join forces to contribute to mission
> we follow our calling, or purpose
Support for leadership is developed and earned [HOW]. Understanding how followers develop their support of a given cause is prime in becoming an effective leader. Be mindful of the following 3 reasons (of many) why followers build passion for what they support:
> Respect. A follower wants to be respected for his role and in return will give that respect to his peers and leadership, creating a good working environment.
> Transparency. The more clarity, the more support. If they can’t see and feel the results, or are unsure of what their actions are contributing to, then their support will be minimal. Transparency inspires.
> Power. Well, more like empowerment to own a part of the process. Followers want to be held accountable and have ownership. They take pride in their work.
Catch the drift here…followers are after the same thing as leaders!
The benefits of having a good follower’s support [WHAT]. What will come as a result from a follower who has developed a passion in their support are the key items to make leaders become effective leaders. These followers will exhibit the following 3 qualities (and many others), making your mission sure to be completed effectively:
> Take ownership of their responsibilities
> Give 110%; support the cause totally
> Loyalty - to their leader and the cause
Jumping to Conclusions
Great leaders have great followers.
Average leaders have average followers.
Poor leaders have poor followers.
Effective leaders understand the art of following. When leaders fail to realize this, they lack effectiveness (like a car without gas).
The leader and follower relationship is revolving, yielding in return exactly what it gives. This relationship requires mutual dependency. The relationship is progressive; one must learn how to follow before she can effectively lead (like crawling before walking).
DISCUSSION: What’s your view on the art of following? Do you feel that understanding how to follow before you can be an effective leader is worthy of being ruled as a prerequisite? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }
JK,
Bravo! Brilliant piece. This is a very thoughtful and well-presented post. And “effective following” is a criteria for leadership that’s often overlooked. Thanks for sharing this!
Jennifer Brown Banks recently posted..Blog Audit
Hello Jennifer – Welcome to Hustler’s Notebook.
I appreciate you taking the time leave you thought and kind words. Blessings!
Wow, I like they way you explain following. Wonderful point here. We do all follow at times. never had thought of followers like this. thank you so much for opening my eyes. Wonderful article.
Debbie
Hi Debbie – Thanks for stopping by Hustler’s Notebook and commenting. It’s always nice to see faces around here.
I had never thought of followers in this light, until recent. I’ve always associated followers with a negative stigma – but no longer. Because we’re all followers, even if we don’t consider that we are…some are just better at it than others.
Thank you so much for stopping by – I hope to see you around in the future.
Jk,
I think a great leader has to be a great follower, first and on-going. Meaning, a great leader has to understand the needs of the folks doing the following or a disconnect can begin.
A great leader has to spend time following behind so he and she can better understand what is being said; how things look from that perspective and gauge morale. Once that information is learned, then real leading can happen.
Alex
I’m with Alex – the relationship is totally mutual, as you declared. A leader can’t maximize her effectiveness if she can’t relate to her followers. So as you noted, it’s a “has to” situation. I , there’s no way for great leaders to become a great leaders without following first. Learning is following! Blessings Alex, thank you for always supporting the notebook.
Jk, I like the importance you place on “following” – and I had a couple of thoughts: there are good doctors out there and there are crappy doctors out there. There are good teachers out there, and there are terrible teachers out there (believe me! I’ve had them!). The difference in the two is that the ones who are GOOD are good because they DO understand what their followers go through. They look at the material through the eyes of their students. GOOD doctors look at medicine through the eyes of the medical student as they teach.
Without getting religious here, I think one of the best examples of this is Jesus. Jesus has a whole big thing about leading by first becoming a servant. Washing disciples’ feet, working on a Sabbath. He didn’t require his ‘followers’ to adhere to a certain faith or code or guideline. He just said, “Follow me,” and he was just intriguing enough that they did. Their faith was far from perfect, but they studied him. They emulated what they studied. And in the end, they made history. They went from ordinary students to extraordinary legend.
Great post my friend. Thank you for sharing this!
Bryan Thompson recently posted..8 Ways to Be “Heart Smart” in 2011
Bryan – wow, that was a great comment man. I like what you said…”they look at the material through the eyes of their followers”.
I really love what you shared about Jesus and his disciples. I actually had a piece that I omitted from this article because it was way too long. I saved it, so I’ll be using it at a later time. The BOOK is drenched with applicable stories and lessons to help with any situation. It’s fascinating and pulls you in for more. It’s only intimidating in it’s size…which is also part of its brilliance.
Thank you Bryan – it’s always to get a touch of your insight….PEACE
Great article Jk! A lot of people talk about leadership which is awesome, but I love how you talk about a very important aspect of leadership…following! Great work once again!
GABE! I hope you’ve been well. It’s nice to see your face (avatar)! I think following is an art we dismiss because it’s not as sexy as it’s sibling, leadership. In reality, you have to learn how to be a great follower than a great leader – there’s really no way around it.
Thanks for the continued support Gabe…I appreciate it!
Clever and intelligent writing JK with a nailed on strong message. I also like think we should follow our own instincts. Often when the landscape seems uncertain and the way ahead unclear, following what we sense is the right option inside can lead to amazing (self)discovery. But so true that we all follow somewhere – I follow your blog as you never fail to teach me so much.
John Sherry recently posted..The Humour Tumour
Hello there John – great point. We must follow our own instincts…we naturally have this thing “intuition” that can guide us the right diretion, if we let it. The problem is that we often try to out think our intuition in a very un-intelligent manner.
I’m glad that you always find something to learn here John…that’s my push!
Thank you sir!
Loved your ‘big picture’ take with this JK. You’re right, being a follower as a negative stigma in our society, but why? Jefferson followed Wythe. Washington followed Fairfax. Pick any great man and you’ll find a mentor you pushed him. Such is life. Also, I wanted to further add to a point you made:
Great leaders have great followers.
Average leaders have average followers.
Poor leaders have poor followers.
To this point, I’d change one simple word, yet it still rings true:
Great leaders are great followers.
Average leaders are average followers.
Poor leaders are poor followers.
As always, well done my friend.
Marcus
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently posted..Learning to Let Go and Live In-Spirit- A Personal Story from The Sales Lion
Hi Jk!
I have to give a resounding “here! here!” to Marcus’ comment. Being a great leader and a great follower ARE synonymous. Unfortunately I think “following” gets a bad rap because society associates it with being powerless, with lacking authority. I think society at large believes that you can only be a leader if you demonstrate power and authority. Ironically, leadership is much more a matter of influence than any of those other things, and influence requires relationships with those you wish to lead, and that mean you must understand those who will follow.
Great job!
Marlee recently posted..Why Your “Competition” Doesn’t Really Matter- Gary V & Wine Library TV vs Bottlenotes – A Case Study
Marlee – I’m with you…Marcus’ comment was ON POINT! It’s too bad that “following” has a bad wrap. That fool (society) had me thinking the same thing for years. Now, I’m out of the closet with “followership” because I realize that it is what empowers us to grow. The better of a follower I’ve become, the better my life has become…and the better leader I’ve become as well. As you said, it’s synonymous.
What a great comment you provided. I think our takes on this matter mirror each other greatly. Yours just with longer hair.
Thanks for the value Marlee. Blessings!
Marcus – I like your Lion version of the Great, Average, Poor sentences. I’m in complete agreement with them. It’s a natural relationship. A person with a college degree, went to college. A police officer went to police school. A great leader is a great follower!
I feel that if we can break the negative stigma of followership, then people will be more apt to follow. This will bread better follower, which translates to better leaders…I’m just say’in!
Thanks for sprinkling some value on the notebook!
Jk,
I have learned to come to the hustlersnotebook hungry because I am going to get a meal. After reading this I felt like I sat at a table all alone and tried to eat a Thanksgiving meal.
To me the act of leading is following and like you said following is an art. To be a great leader you have to seek guidance from somewhere. I don’t take it lightly when someone has the wisdom that I desire and the will to share it.. It especially makes my humble when they take the time to educate me and pull me into a position where I might be able to lead someone else.
The trouble for me is, the hardest part of this life cycle is appropriately learning how to follow. I have to learn how to trust the person who is giving me direction and open up my heart to accept what they are saying. It is definately a prerequisite to lead.
If you can’t take directions you have no right to give them!!!
This was great!!!!!! You got some serious talent.
Frank recently posted..There is More to Me Than This
Hey Frank – we share meals from the same table – because I get the same from aSparkStarts at each visit.
What you shared is my main purpose. I must learn from someone so I can transfer that knowledge to others who need it. It’s a revolving relationship that we (you and I) must respect, considering out goals.
Embracing the art of following was a challenge for me for 99% of my life. Only now am I learning to demolish the walls of defense that I built and trust others advise and believe that they have my best interest at heart. Let me jump back…I said “was a challenge”. In reality, my mission as a follower has only began, so I’m still working out bad habits so that my development isn’t snagged by my own short comings. I’m a work in progress my friend.
Thanks for your kind closing words. I’m glad you took some value from this post…I certainly took value from your comment. PEACE
Wow, Jk, facinating post! Thanks for dispelling the negativity around being a follower. You are right – one cannot be a great leader without having been a great follower. To be a great leader one needs humility. Humility comes from being proven wrong and making many mistakes – realizing that we are imperfect and always will be. Being a follower means having integrity and holding ourselves to a high standard. We question and think for ourselves. We are self-possessed. When one allows themselves to be lead blindly and unquestioning that makes them a fool. Thanks for making the statement that followers and fools are entirely seperater things. Being a follower is powerful! Great work here Jk!
Dandy recently posted..Self-gratitude
Hi Dandy – I’m glad that you liked the post. Thank you so much for bringing in one of the most important aspects…humility. I agree with your assertion that those who follow blindly are fools. I think the fools are part of the problem that give other followers a bad wrap. Thank for your being a part of the community here!
Hi Jk, it’s always great to see your content, after your comments build up so much antipication!
I believe that the leader-follower situation can be likened to the parent-child situation. The child looks up to the parent as an example of how they should behave in this world. They provide their parent with unconditional love, following where the parent leads; you can see this with animals just as much as humans. All the while, it’s the parent’s job to provide for their child, see to their needs and teach them about the ways of the world. They need to be a good leader to their loving follower.
Now here’s the catch; the children who are followers, will then become parents in their own time. They’ll then become leaders, and they’ll have their own followers to guide and teach. If the parent does a good job, and is a decent leader, then their children will grow up to be decent leaders and continue the fine work. However, if the parent does a poor job, and is a bad leader, then their children will be ‘stunted’ in their ability and they’ll grow up to be poor leaders themselves.
Either way, the chain will continue.
We are all either followers or leaders, and it’s a natural progression from one to the other. It’s our responsibility to make sure our followers are treated right, with respect and kindness, so that they will then become respectful, kind leaders in their own right
Stuart recently posted..How To Leave Exceptional Blog Comments
Hi Stuart – I think we play the role of both, followers and leaders…sometimes we even do both at the same time! And as you shared, it’s important that we treat everyone right, with respect and kindness in hopes that they mirror our actions.
Your analogy of the leader-follower relationship is great. I think that’s the most natural and easy to understand relationship.
Thank you so much for your great input and serving us with a great example. PEACE
JK,
For 10 years now, I have been a Soldier in the U.S. Army. My experience, thusfar, has been one of being both a leader AND a follower. Interestingly enough, my years as a “follower” were instrumental in developing me into the leader that I am today. Your summary statement immediately go me thinking about some things that I have always had an issue with regarding how the U.S. Army commissions officers (leaders).
While some officers nowadays do have prior enlisted service (i.e. “followers”, albeit, non-commissioned officers can be highly effective leaders, while executing the orders/plans of the officers appointed above them), many officers are commissioned with having very little experience in the art of following. Spawned from necessity, the U.S. Army has had no other choice but to produce officers as quickly as possible: making them readily available to tap into because the increased global demands that have been placed on the military to begin with.
While some can certainly be molded to be great leaders, I have always felt that officers, that had yet to truly follow, just have more of an intense learning curve than officers that had previous experience in following. I’ve talked to many people about this issue. Some agree with me, while some don’t. Fundamental to all effective leadership, and something social media gurus like Gary Vaynerchuck speak about, should be genuine caring for the welfare and development of followers.
Effective leaders go above and beyond for their followers: IMHO, they try their hardest to find and reinforce positive traits, while attempting to groom them into leaders themselves.
I hope that shed some insight into this blog post. I am glad that I had found my way here, thanks to Stuart, from “Unlock the Door”.
Take care,
Howie
Howie recently posted..2010 Annual Report and a Month- a Year in Review
Hi Howie, Effective followers quickly Learns the art of leadership, poor or mindless followers remain followers for life and gain no respect. To understand the art of leadership, you must been great follower, picking up on all the lessons your leaders had to teach you well done.
Hey Jk one thing that I learnt from a great metro and leader is that a leader most be able to direct the field and be the field, Its like what you said “The leader and follower relationship is revolving” this is what makes a good leader, his one with his follows. You’ve got me thinking J
Lloyd Chrisite recently posted..How to use games to grow smarter
Hey Lloyd – I like the way you put it “a leader must be able to direct the field and be the field”. That is perfect and is the main point that I’m trying to make here. it’s mutual. I sure appreciate your presence around these parts.
Thanks for passing recognition to Howie’s great comment.
Best regards my friend. PEACE
Howie – before anything, let me first thank you for your service to our country. I appreciate your selfless endeavor in being a solider to keep our freedom intact. And by the way, welcome to Hustler’s Notebook! Stuart’s site is great and I’m glad that you made the point to come check the place out! Especially after the great comment you left.
Thank you so much for providing your direct experience with leading and following. It’s great to hear your take, for in your line of work – some don’t always have to put in the “traditional dues” to land a leadership role. I’ve seen this as well in the corporate world. People are hired into a leadership role and struggle and often fail because they missed the lessons of being a follower in the same line of work.
Howie – again, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope to see you back in the future. Salute.
Hi JK! I love the concept that leaders and followers have a mutual relationship. Many leaders miss this point thinking that have total control over the relationship. It’s a two-way street. I specially like how you broke it down the follower aspect of the equation. I hadn’t thought about it in these terms. The terms ‘follower’ usually has a bad rep but as you pointed it out, it’s encompasses so much more.
Thanks for this thought provoking post! Loving blessings!
Andrea DeBell – britetalk recently posted..The Danger of Being Selective with our Relationships
Hi Andrea – Seemingly leaders are running the show…but that display can turn quickly if the followers don’t retain interest. So yes, it’s a two way street! I’m glad that you enjoyed the post and thank you so much for your wonderful support of the notebook. Blessings!
Hi JK,
Wonderful post! I like how you approached the subject of following. I agree with you that to be a great leader, he has to understand how followers think. The way I look at it, each person has something to offer. What some people call “followers” they can be leaders too. For example, the individual might not be a leader at work, but could be a leader in caring for others. I like what you said about why we follow such as to learn and to contribute to the world. This is so crucial my friend and it is how we grow. If we stop following others, then we stop learning. Thanks for sharing JK, great post as always
Dia recently posted..How to boost your self confidence
Hey Dia – glad you liked this topic. You’re right, a “so-called” follower can certainly be a leader. And think that is ALWAYS the case. You nailed it…. “if we stop following others then we stop learning”. Dia – always make it to provide your insights…thank you!
Hey Jk,
Thanks for the awesome article!
I have to say that I agree & disagree with your logic. I have heard many people say that to be and effective learder your have to be a follower first. I mean sure you can follow someone to becoming the same leader they are. How about leading in your own way? Everyone might not see you as their leader, but someone will hear your cry. I just disagree with following in anyway shape or form lol. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to come to terms with being a follower!
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks again!
God bless,
William Veasley
William Tha Great recently posted..The Power That Resides Within You!
Hey Will, what’s going on bud?
Hey, I see where you are coming from but I think JK’s article here was crafted to address precisely the concern you, and many others have, with the title of being a follower.
We always heard people tell us, growing up, to be leaders not followers. WHY? because followers follow a crowd, they can’t think for themselves or because followers simply live in the shadow of someone else – I think this is where the word “follower” gets a bad rap.
But when it comes to entrepreneurship or personal development being a follower is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s a great thing! How can following be a great thing? Well simply because by following in entrepreneurship or personal development you’re making the commitment to invest in yourself, whether if it is through business or learning new skills. That is something that a majority of the population is not willing to do. Yes, you see this often on the internet because everyone here has a common goals and common interests but the reality is that most people would rather sit infront of the “income reducing black box” (T.V) or do something other than invest in themselves.
By investing in yourself, which you are, you are already a leader. The difference now is that you must learn to follow the successful leaders, learn from them and determine how to implement what you’ve learned into your life so that you can become a successful leader in your niche.
Leaders cultivate a following of others leaders, not a following of followers.
JK – brilliant post, man! I don’t think I can say anything else that has not already been said. You’re the man!
Hector Avellaneda recently posted..Credit Card Debt Crisis Deepens in The US
Hey Hector – Thanks for jumping in and helping elaborate my position behind this post. I think you did a wonderful job and helping drive the point. At the end – it’s this: Followers are the bad “guys and gals” that they are often depicted as. And in order to be an effective leader, you must understand and have the ability to practice the art of being a follower.
Your comment was awesome, detailed and completely supported the backdrop with utilization of your own examples. Thanks man! I’m sure your what you’ve included will help get the point across stronger.
PEACE
William – I respect your take on this. But I’m not certain if you completely got the overall vibe of the article. A follower, as I wrote about here is someone who follows another person or thing…we all do this. Do you look up to anyone? Do you follow anyone’s lead on how to do a certain thing?
If you learn from others – then you are following their advice, information or education. This isn’t a bad thing…it doesn’t make us a punk or weak minded. It’s a good thing to learn from others…in fact, as soon as we think we know it all and have all the answers ourselves is the time we meet total failure. Our ego wants us to drive to that conclusion; “that we know it all”. The ego is mistaken. There’s too much information in this world for us to utilize it all optimally – sometimes we have to place dependence and trust in to others.
The term “follower” get’s a bad wrap because it’s attached to powerlessness, and non-authority…which isn’t the case. But wouldn’t you agree that to become one of authority, at some point you have to be one without authority?
I used to share your same take on this William, seriously. Mine was driven by the pure fact that I wanted the seemingly cooler title: “leader”, and the word “follower” had a bad wrap so I wanted nothing to do with that. I’m now at a point that I’m not concerned of the false stigmas…I’m wonderfully obsessed with success and have had a good run so far – and there’s no other way to obtain that, than to be an excellent follower first. If you can’t follow, then you can’t learn…and you surely can’t effectively lead. I’m don’t speak that as 24k gold for you, but it’s just backed by 100% experience in 30 years of life…so I know it’s solid as gold for me.
Out of curiosity, what’s your take on mentorship? I ask because that’s a prime example of a follower/leader relationship.
PEACE
Hey Jk & Hector,
You two both shut me down not fair haha. Man Jk you really do have a kicking community going here. I know it’s your persistance and openness to share your opinions and ideals. Your community will jump to defend your point before you even get a chance too! That’s pretty cool my dude.
Okay, so I will admit when you have a very very good point. I can’t say that I have never followed and never will. I guess what I’m saying is that I will always keep and open mind to what I’m taking in. Always. That will never ever evveeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrr change. As you know i also believe in listening before talking. At a certain age in my life I realized I was a follower, and since that day I made a vow to myself to never follow another person again “because there the cool people or the famous people” instead I’m totally focused on making my own way, and I sure I will hit a couple of brick walls, but I’ll never quit fighting.
By no means am I saying I will never take advice. I think a “follower” is someone who follows, because of outside forces. Would this be called following? I started slipping on my writing, and then someone gave me some advice to fix it. I would listen to them with open ears and make my own decision, but not just because they might be a “guru”.
I hope I’m making sense. Sometimes when I try to get my point across I’ll go on rambling for ever, so if you don’t understand I will surely try to clarify more if at all possible.
Thanks again!
God bless,
William Veasley
William Tha Great recently posted..Ultimate Guide to Skyrocket Productivity
William – you’re alright with me man! You stand strong on what you believe and I appreciate that to the max. Considering some of the obstacles that you’ve faced because of being a follower (in the wrong direction), you have learned to protect yourself from that occurring ever repeating itself again. I’ve been there too. So I know the feeling, 100%.
The only reason we haven’t come to a complete understanding here is due to the fact that we have two different definitions of what a follower is. In time, our perspective always changes. At some point, I’m convinced we’ll share a similar point of view – one way or another. Even if we don’t – it’s always good to have multiple points of view because that’s what shapes our identity and uniqueness…I sincerely appreciate what you bring to table and what you stand for.
Keep keep’n it real young player!
Hey Jk,
Thanks for the awesome response!
You want to know what’s crazy? The things you say completely describe me. Man like, I never thought about it, but you are completely true. Looking at how I act now I know a major part of why I try my hardest not to follow anymore, because as you have said it has left me in some bad/stupid/unsafe positions.
So far, the none following under any circumstances William, has not gotten himself in another horrible position. Since I have changed I am only bettering my positioning each and everyday. One day at a time I’m getting closer to where I know I’m going to be. Back in the day I was a lost fella with not a care in the world about anything.
So, we may never have the same perspective. I can tell you that when I say something I usually stick to it. It’s kind of hard for me to change my mind, which is something I need to work on, but in due time we might have the same perspective as you said.
Until then, you’ll still be the man in my book!
Thanks again!
God bless,
William Veasley
William Tha Great recently posted..Go 100 Percent All Day Every Day!
Thanks for the last note William. Thanks for the great conversation!
hello jk
how are you?
this is a classic and i absolutely loved your approach to dispelling some myths on being a follower.
every leader at some point in time has been a follower infact i think it’s a criteria for good leadership. i would have to agree with john here, your blog is one to follow because it’s informative, enlightening and i learn from it
thanks once again for sharing this jk. i found it refreshing.
take care and enjoy the rest of the day
Hi Mr. Ayo – I’m glad you found this to be classic material. It’s too bad that it took so long for me to understand that power behind this relationship…but I’m no longer sleeping in unknowing sheets (on this topic)!
Thanks for the kind words Ayo – you know how to keep a fellow man’s spirits running high! PEACE
Excellent post, Jk!
This is a great perspective on the view of followership. Looking at a business from the eyes of the employees rather than the employer or even a business and its customers is great way to things into perspective.
I’m very impressed with your research here and I can tell that you put a lot of work into it. I also find myself being the devil’s advocate in same “life university” you attend. When I am a follower, I tend to be critical and wish leaders would see things from my stand point… and when I’m a leader, I tend to be critical and wish my followers would see things from my stand point.
However, I agree with you that the leader should be the first to let down their guard and see things from perspectives of the followers to set the example of symbiotic leadership.
Great Post, JK. You have a wonderful way of explaining life.
Elmer
Elmer Querubin recently posted..Eating for Wellness
My man Elmer’s in the house! Thanks for the great comment man. I love seeing you on the scene because you communicate from the heart.
I too fall victim of criticizing whatever position I’m not in. Seriously, I can’t point out every flaw…and sometimes, to my embarrassment I can’t point out any strengths. And, this year that’s one thing that I’m really trying to focus on – the strengths of others. We all have flaws – but those are part of the reason we have certain strengths…this combination builds us into the completely unique beings that we are. I’m trying to love it all!…I’m trying.
So much comes down to perspective. If a psychologist can’t see from the same angle as their client then they can’t help them. It’s a mutual relationship.
Thanks Elmer – you always bring the value with you!.
Absolutely – As a leader, having perception of both sides of the follow/lead fence lends you a depth of understanding that removes many communication barriers.
It’s enlightening when we open our minds up to the motivations of others. Oh, and I second Marcus’ comment with the “have” and “are” swap, nice job.
Jon recently posted..Marketing From a Place of Giving
Hey Jon – thanks for backing up Marcus’ point. I think his simple change up when a long way in driving the point I’m “trying” to make!
I really appreciate you coming back to the notebook. Your support is appreciated held to high value. It is enlightening to open our minds to the motivations of others…I agree with that completely.
Take care Jon
PEACE
Hello,
Excellent article. Indeed, being an effective leader isn’t really just a piece of cake, it requires a lot of work and passion for your work. Being a leader means – being better than all, being an all-in-one ‘robot’. We all know it is very hard to follow a schedule, well, following a schedule is essential especially for a leader. Keep up the good work, I really enjoyed a lot reading this article!
Best regards,
Maria
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Hi Maria – I’m with you, leadership isn’t a piece of cake. It requires many things to be successful, understanding and practicing the art of following is one of them!
Thank you for your continued support Maria!
Esoteric teaching says, ‘True following is strength’. This is what you are pointing to, Jk. Esoteric teaching goes on to say, ‘To be strong is to be happy’. True followers are happy … and happy followers become dynamic leaders quite naturally. I won’t fill in the blanks with how this occurs because you have done so nicely in your blog, Jk. thank you
Rob – “…happy followers become dynamic leaders quite naturally”. That’s the point that I want to get across. The progression and dependence upon one another (following/leading). Thank you so much for brining your brilliance by providing your thoughts in a well crafted comment!
> one must learn how to follow before she can effectively lead
Beautiful one-liner reminder.
Knowing when to follow or when to lead is really a reflection of good judgment and sometimes that judgment only comes from experience.
Surprisingly, being an effective follower made me a better leader, even when I didn’t want to lead. The other surprise for me, was how leadership isn’t something you just decide, sometimes others have decided that’s what they want from you, and then it’s simply a question of whether you step up to the plate.
The key in either case is knowing the role you play, and how to play your role well, in your unique way.
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Hi J.D. – You made a great point about playing your role and playing it well. At the end of the day, that’s the most important part. If you are a follower…than’s ok – be a great follower. If you are a leader, that’s okay too, be a great leader. But to be great, you must understand the dynamic of the relationship. Thanks for the comment, sir!
Hi Jk, you make great points about followers. Following gets a bad rap, as if all followers are mindless sheep. However, if everyone tried to be a leader all the time, nothing would get done! Following can be mindful learning as you point out. You can call yourself a leader all day, but if you don’t have an appealing plan, no one will follow you.
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Jennifer – Yes, we can call ourselves leaders – but it doesn’t make us a leader. We have to be willing to let the title go…it’s the title that get’s people’s mind crossed and abandon the importance of followership. Thank you Jennifer!
Hey JK. This is such a brilliant post. As you so rightly demonstrate…it’s actually impossible to become a great leader without first being a great follower. The word ‘follower’ has negative connotations as in ‘being a sheep’…but being a follower is not necessarily about following the pack which, to my mind, is never a wise move. The way I understand it…we may choose to follow a great leader because we respect their knowledge and experience and we wish to learn from them, but we don’t hide behind them or ever let them take our power. In other words it is possible to be a follower or a supporter of someone but we still retain our individuality, and objectivity. The other thing I see is that leaders ‘evolve’ naturally, and then their followers appear. It’s not possible to just wake up one morning and anounce to the world that you are a leader. Thanks JK, as always for a thought provoking article on an important subject.
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Hi Rosemary – your thoughts are spot on. Literally! And actually, given the right leader, being a “sheep” can be a great think (Jesus had Disciples). I’m glad that you enjoyed the article and found it an important subject. I think the negative connotations need to be obliterated because they’re affecting some of our ability to meet our full and unlimited potential. We that we will be looked down upon us for having a leader. Craziness huh! Thanks for the comment Rosemary.
I am commenting a second time to personally acknowledge and appreciate your total commitment to what you are up to, Jk. THE FACTS THAT A PERSON IS UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE, ARE THE VERY FACTS THAT HE NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE IF HE INTENDS TO BECOME MORE THAN HE WAS THE DAY BEFORE. You, Jk. are willing to investigate whatever needs investigating about yourself to access more and more of your unlimited potential. What a wonderful demonstration you offer all of those who yearn to experience more of their unlimitedness. Thank you.
Wow Rob – thank you for coming back! The journey I’m on has flashed signs of what’s on the other side. Having seen this – I feel the responsibility to recruit others with the hope that they too will experience what I plan on experiencing one day.
Thank you for the encouragement Rob. I appreciate you.
Jk,
I love how you’ve shed some new light on the role of following. It’s much needed in our ego driven society, as you pointed out.
“Understanding the reason why followers follow is essential to being an effective leader.”
I couldn’t agree more buddy, because true leadership is about understanding people. The more we understand what motiviates and moves people the more we can influence them. John Maxwell said it best, “leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less”.
Here’s one for you Jk: Do you think it’s ever possible to lead by following?
Hey Jason, I love the John Maxwell quote. I’ve read 3 books of his. actually just sent my brother a book by John called “Leadership 101″.
I DO think it’s possible to lead by following. This is why:
I believe that following is influence based, like the Maxwell quote. Leadership is more than a position or job title, it’s a position of influence. Here’s an example – sports…
I think it’s fair to say that the coach is the leader of a team and the players are his followers. They follow the coaches direction, philosophy and execute his strategy. Players, who I think it’s safe to call the “followers” of the relationship, are looked up to even if they don’t want to be. Remember Charles Barkley. He wanted no part in being a role model. I think we can take this exact format and put it in any industry or category. Does that answer your question?
AWESOME!
Nicely written piece JK.
It’s so good to be back. I almost missed out on a lot of things these past weeks as a result of some major projects I’m working on. Will let you in on it later!
There is no Leader without a follower, just as there is no follower without a leader. The two are both sides of one coin. It takes a good sense of followership to be a great leader. A leader who is intolerant of the feelings, aspirations and dreams of his followers will soon become a tyrant. Knowing that others are depending on you helps a leader strive harder towards whatever a goal they pursue.
Every leader is also a follower in one way or another. There are people you respect as a result of their strengths even though they are following you. Going back to the project we’re currently working on, the head of design is a great guy in his field and i just can’t help but wonder and marvel at his level of creativity when it comes to web design.
So, I can be a leader in my areas of strength and people will follow me for it who lack such strengths. Also, I can be a follower of other people because of their strengths which I admire, but don’t possess.
In the end, we are all natures of interdependence, we will never be self sustaining. Nature has made it so for us to be both leaders in one hand and followers in another. Denying this fact is pure lunacy and will only make your leadership less effective.
Great Job!
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Tito – Thanks for the great, great, great reply man! I think you ended it brilliantly by your mention of us all being creatures of interdependence…and not having the ability to self sustain. It’s impossible; biologically, and even mentally.
Thanks for adding this value and I look forward to learning more about your “projects”!
peace
To find the best examples of this, you need look no further than professional sports. How often do great players make great coaches? Not often. The great students of the game, the ones who followed and learned are the ones who go on to inspire others. Great players can make great coaches ONLY if they were students first…e.g. Doc Rivers of the Celtics. Doc was great because he out thought, out worked and out studied the competition. HE HAS EARNED THE RIGHT TO EXPECT THAT FROM OTHERS! Good Stuff JK. Nice site too!
Billy, Operation Web
Hi Billy Gee – Welcome to the Notebook! I’m glad you had a chance to stop by and I’m ecstatic that you took the time to leave a comment!
Great example you shared on the dynamic of following and leading. I agree with that example 100%. People find it “weak” to follow…not at all. It’s a mutual relationship and regardless if a person wants or doesn’t want to admit it…they are followers to some degree…and, in many cases leaders to some degree too.
Thanks for stopping by – I surely hope that you bring your insights back in the future!
PEACE.
PS. Are those Pits in your gravatar?…. beautiful!
I just came over here from Smart Passive Income. Nice site!
As far as leaders and followers go, I am starting to view leadership as more of a responsibility than something to be sought. Following is not weak, it is what most people need to do. There can only be a few leaders, but leadership is a tricky business. Most people don’t want it, they want the homage and the fame, but they don’t want the leadership responsibility.
I blog about parenting and parenting styles among other things. Every parent has to be a leader of their children. They have responsibility. Children are the trickiest of followers too, because parents have total control and total love for them at the same . They can rely on authority to get the job done, but you won’t inspire the children, or they can be sucked into low-effectiveness leadership because they don’t want to hurt the feelings of the child. Or they can be the worst leaders of all and not even realize that they are in a leadership position.
Leaders have a large burden. They may be charged with something very significant like people’s income, welfare, even lives. If there is a good leader available, people can show their leadership by being good followers — help the leader make good decisions. If there is no good leader then you (a generic “you”, as in someone) may be the one who has to lead. The buck stops somewhere and might as well stop with you!
Also leaders have to know when to step aside. If there is a better leader in the wings, then bring them up. Too many leaders want to hold people down.
Just some random thoughts. Good post!
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Effective leadership lies in knowing a graet deal about the poeple whom you wish follow you. It requires hard work and dedication. You should be able to understand their problems even before they come to you. The gift of the jab is necessary.
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I like your take on this Ranjith. You have to understand who you wish to follow. That’s important. And, I think this is what helps us from following people who may be out to harm!
I believe followers want to acomplish “the task” more than they want the recognition of being the leader. Followers acknowledge that others are better at leading others, than they are and they are ready to assist and lend their talents as required. Great followers assume personal responsiblity for the success of the mission and know how to influence the direction without being disruptive. They also know how to ensure the rest of the followers are being properly cared for. Great followers are indespensible to great leaders, and great leaders know how to motivate and inspire followers.
Leadership is situational Phenomena. We can understand it by the story of Hear and Tortoise. when they run on dry land Here leads tortoise while they crossing the river tortoise leads and Hear follow him. The core competencies determined your position.
Wow, what a well-written article. I know I am late…I stumbled upon this; and boy am I glad I did. We have ingrained in us as children that being a follower has a negative stigma attached to it, You’re right, the best leaders must first know how to follow.
My favorite quote from the article is that “Great leaders have great followers.” A great leader will be able to take the weakest of performers and turn them in to a force to be reckoned with simply with strong leadership. Like you mentioned the leader must understand what drives a followers; and in orders to do that they must have been a successful follower themselves.
A good leader is also a good follower. Famous lines, but applies to every situation. Brilliant leaders know what their followers expect them to be. Leaders have to be transparent, honest, and respectable, among others. Good leaders also know how to encourage his followers.
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