The Greatness Of Followers

I often hear people saying words to the effect that it is better to be a leader than a follower. This type of thinking, is most often expressed in business, but it has permeated into mainstream modes of mentalities.

There are quite a few unwarranted stigmas attached to being a follower as opposed to holding the ‘better’ and ’greater’ position of a leader. It gets forgotten how important followers are to leaders. Often recognizance is overlooked in realizing followers are needed supporters of a cause, business, or movement. Without followers, a leader is nothing. As not to downgrade one over the other it is important to remember, this goes both ways.

When it comes to competing for which position is the most important, neither leader or follower loses. Both positions are equally important. It may help to take the sting out of the word ’follower’ before we can relate to the position more respectfully. When thinking of people as supporters of a cause, you may better picture in you mind a group of workers, or the people who get the ball rolling and keep the process moving along to completion. Being a follower is a commendable role in deeds and in no way should be overshadowed as a less meaningful position to hold than leader. In fact any successful leader would tell you the same about their dedicated supporters.

I believe the stigma attached to the word ’follower’ is due to one of the problems we face in a fast paced competitive world. We thrive on being the best that we can be. When this mindset is applied to leader vs. follower, liken to a Football quarterback, leaders are glorified. However when asked, what would a quarterback be able to do without the rest of the team to play the game, we’d get the same results when confronted with, what is a leader able to do without followers to help execute a plan? A good supporter works hard and gives their best in efforts to do what it takes to get the job done, in as much as team members work together to support the game. The best that they can be is highly achievable for both the leader and his/her followers.

It is truly a grave mistake to compare leaders and followers as one being a better position than the other.

To do so is a serious misguided notion and a common mistake that too many people are making. If we think about it, we have only to conclude that to lead or follow are both great positions to hold. After all when it comes to the success of the leaders of yesteryears, today and tomorrow, it has been, still is and will be again, the followers that will carry them there.