To lead or to follow–a question as old as the chicken and the egg. It’s a symbiotic dance, yet conventional wisdom tends to glorify the former or undervalue the latter, depending on whom you ask.
Leadership is over-rated. To me, followership–arguably just as important, if not more so–is rarely given its due. Bookstore shelves sag with leadership materials. Replenished frequently. But on topic of followership? Crickets.
Is it implicitly assumed that the skill of following is instinctive, taught through our upbringing and socialization?
And yet, this much is clear: there is no leader without follower. I often return to a saying that captures this truth: if you out front and no one is following, you’re not leading, only out for a walk.
Therefore, to follow, as well as to know when, what, and whom to follow, is indispensable.
Look more closely: Are you following your instincts? Do you trust your own judgement? Would you recognize and act on a good advice when you hear it? These answers point to an often overlooked fact–knowing how to follow precedes knowing how to lead.
Are you a good follower?
Part 1, here.
Running with Buddha 