You aren’t fit to lead until you know how to follow.
Following is the most neglected development principle of leadership. Ego wants to be the leader. Humility aspires to add value regardless of position.
Opportunities don’t wait for titles.
Jimmy Collins said, “Seeking Leadership roles never produced anything for me. When I chose the follower role there was no end to what I could accomplish.”*
Fit to Lead by Following
- Follow advice from those more experienced.
- Follow a vision bigger than yourself.
- Follow leaders worthy of respect.
- Follow someone going somewhere.
Remarkable leaders are remarkable followers. If you want to become a remarkable leader, follow a leader of character, conviction, and vision.
Admiring big egos shrinks you.
Stop chasing remarkable leadership. Earn it through following. But remember that blind followership is dangerous.
What role does following play in the day-to-day life of successful leaders?
*Jimmy Collins is the retired COO of Chick-fil-A and author of “Creative Followership.”
The Day You Stop Following is the Day You Stop Leading
Lead Better by Knowing When to Follow
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Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License
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