Have you ever asked yourself – is someone following me, am I leading others? Or maybe… you’re following someone? If you’re doing the following – do you know where you’re going? Or is it blindly following without a sense of direction, of goal? The same questions can be asked if you are the leader and are being followed. Where? How long will it take? Do you have all the supplies necessary for the journey? Is everyone understanding the goal, the method, etc.? Regardless of following or leading, the same issues emerge and must be answered.
One of the issues is Experience: When the ‘leader’ says something, as a follower, do you believe them? Do you think you are believed when you lead? What is required for you to accept what is said? There seem to be some people that others seem to believe immediately and others they dismiss just as quickly. Why? What causes belief or distrust? Obviously previous experience plays a significant role but initially it probably rests on credentials. Do you/does the person you are following have credentials that indicate previous success? Is there the sense that the leader possesses sufficient understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of the task?
Treatment: One of the more critical considerations is whether everyone is treated equally. Equally does not necessarily mean the ‘same’ but everyone must feel that they are heard, understood and valued. You want the same behaviors from your ‘supervisor’ regardless if you are part of a team or leading. If you don’t feel you are supported and valued then your ‘production’ will sag. The same issue rises if some members are ‘favored’ over others. People all want to feel that they are not being slighted.
Responsible: Being responsible is not just important, it’s critical. Regardless of your ‘position’ (leader or follower) if you aren’t a responsible person then how can anyone rely on what you do or say you’ll do? When things go ‘wrong’ do you accept the responsibility if it is your actions or inaction? If things go well do you ‘give credit where credit is due’? Do you plan ahead so that all of the necessary ‘supplies’ are available to accomplish the goal? All this relates to you being responsible.
I would propose, though, that the single most important quality any leader possesses can be summed up by the word – trust, by those above and below. But it’s equally important that you as a follower are someone others can trust. We all lead and we all follow but neither should be done blindly and unthinking. Perhaps it isn’t an issue of knowing precisely where you’re going or when you will get ‘there’ but knowledge that you are moving and moving according to a plan.
