Don’t Walk in Front of Me, I May Not Follow
I still remember the day my grandmother gave me this advice. I was young and headstrong, always rushing ahead without thinking about the consequences. She told me that if I wanted people to follow me, I needed to lead by example. I needed to take the time to show them the way and make sure they understood why I was going in a certain direction.
Her words have stuck with me throughout my life. They’ve taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and empathy. They’ve also taught me that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most forceful person in the room. It’s about being the one who’s willing to take the first step and show others the way.
Followership: A Key to Success
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us to be the best, the brightest, and the most successful. But what if the key to success isn’t about being a leader? What if it’s about being a good follower?
Being a good follower doesn’t mean being a mindless drone. It means being someone who is willing to listen, learn, and support the people around them. It means being someone who is willing to put in the hard work, even when they don’t get all the credit.
The Importance of Followership
There are many reasons why followership is important. First, it allows us to learn from others. When we follow someone, we have the opportunity to observe their behavior, learn from their mistakes, and adopt their best practices.
Second, followership helps us to build relationships. When we support others, we create a sense of community and trust. This can lead to stronger relationships both personally and professionally.
Third, followership can help us to achieve our goals. When we work together with others, we can accomplish more than we could ever do on our own. By supporting each other, we can overcome challenges, reach our goals, and make a difference in the world.
Tips for Being a Good Follower
If you want to be a good follower, there are a few things you can do. First, be willing to listen. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything the leader says, but it does mean you should be open to hearing their perspective and understanding their reasoning.
Second, be willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your ideas, and offer your help. The more you learn, the more valuable you will be to the team.
Third, be willing to support the team. This means being there for your colleagues, even when things are tough. It also means being willing to do your part and contribute to the team’s success.
Conclusion
Being a good follower is not about being weak or submissive. It’s about being strong, supportive, and willing to learn. It’s about putting the team’s needs before your own and working together to achieve a common goal.
So if you want to be a leader, remember to take my grandmother’s advice. Don’t walk in front of people, you may not follow. Instead, lead by example and show them the way.
