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!

Patience and Preparation

We have become a very impatient people.  I should know because patience is a serious weakness of mine.  We are impatient in lines at the grocery store and when stuck in traffic.  We are impatient with doctors healing our illnesses and lawyers solving our problems.  We are impatient with our family and friends. Most importantly, we are impatient to achieve success.  Consider this quote…

“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.”                           -       Robert H. Schuller

We do not want to spend the time it takes in preparation to achieve.  It does not matter what you want to achieve, it will require preparation.  Whether it is financial success, good grades, or athletic prowess, you must be willing to devote hours and hours of not so glamorous preparation.  It may not be fun, and it will be hard work, but the rewards of achievement can be spectacular!  Therefore, we cannot be impatient about it.

The Willingness to Lead

Successful leaders must be willing to lead. That may seem like a statement of the obvious.  Many people aspire to be leaders, others assume they are leaders, but are they truly willing to lead? 

To become an intentional, respected, servant leader one must be willing to lead.  I use the word “willing” because it implies a desire to act, to do what it takes.  One does not simply become a true leader because of their age, status or title.  Leadership requires work and is developed over time.  It requires a willingness to change and adapt.  Successful leaders understand themselves as well as their followers, and they adjust accordingly. They are intentional about reading people and analyzing situations to determine the best course of action. That approach is about the greater good of the project or organization, not the individual good of the leader.  Great leaders are willing to acclimate to personalities, circumstances and challenges.   Are you willing to lead?