Followers…The True Test of Leadership?

 

Any worthwhile discussion of leadership will focus on the concept of willing followers. There has been much written about leadership skills, qualities, methods, and systems, but the true test of leadership is followers. There is an old leadership proverb that says… “He who thinks he leads but has no followers is only taking a walk.” Excellent leaders are marked by willing followers. Willing followers are not subordinates who have no choice but to follow. True followers are those who follow when they have the freedom not to. We are all followers in some roles in our lives and leaders in others. Think about what causes you to follow certain people, and then consider those traits in your leadership roles. I don’t know about you, but when I am in a leadership role, I do not want to be just taking a walk! The true test of quality leadership is committed followers.

 

Have a blessed week!

Eighteen Years of the MMM!

 

The Monday Morning Minute was born on November 21, 2004.  Today marks eighteen years of sharing leadership thoughts and challenges with you all on a weekly basis. I hope somewhere along the way you have found something motivating, encouraging or challenging, maybe all three.

 

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and a great start to the holiday season.  Be blessed my friends…  

Get the Cream Sauce!

 

There is a lot to unpack in the below quote from the late Anthony Bourdain.  What a great way to do life!  There are nuggets in here about getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, talking to new people, and taking care of yourself and others.  This topic relates to last week’s MMM ‘Til You Can’t.  It is also about trying new and different things, experiencing life, having a beer with a stranger.  Great wisdom here.  Cheers Anthony!

"Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride."

- Anthony Bourdain

‘Til You Can’t

 

I have quoted a lot of songs in the MMM over the years, including ones from Thomas Rhett, Jerry Jeff Walker, Toby Keith, Natasha Bedingfield and of course Jimmy Buffett.  Today that honor goes to Cody Johnson, who sings a song entitled ‘Til You Can’t.

I have stated here before that I am a really bad procrastinator.  I own it.  We really need to be mindful of how costly procrastination can be.  Some things you just can’t put off forever.  Certain opportunities only last so long.  We can easily miss great chances in life if we don’t take them!  Don’t miss your dream. Don’t miss your love. Don’t leave the important words unsaid. 

Consider these selected lyrics from ‘Til You Can’t by Cody Johnson…

If you got a chance, take it, take it while you got a chance
If you got a dream, chase it, 'cause a dream won't chase you back
If you're gonna love somebody
Hold 'em as long and as strong and as close as you can
'Til you can't

So take that phone call from your momma and just talk away
'Cause you'll never know how bad you wanna 'til you can't someday
Don't wait on tomorrow 'cause tomorrow may not show
Say your sorries, your I-love-yous, 'cause man you never know