Can Leaders “Follow the Leader”?
We have played “followed the leader” since we were in elementary school, yet we usually picture ourselves as the leader! But, contrary to conventional wisdom, part of being a great leader is knowing how and when to follow. Even if you have a leadership role, you probably report to someone or to a board and, as a result, have to be a follower too. It takes checking your ego at the door and thinking beyond your own priorities to be an effective “follower”. Here are some good reminders on how to be an engaged follower even while you lead: • Keep your ego in check Look for ways to support the organization and the people in the organization, not just your own agenda. • Keep it real. Ensure other leaders understand the impact their actions/decisions have on the group. Keep the leader grounded in reality and share how decisions will impact the broader organization, especially when you are going through organizational changes. • Share and share alike. Cooperate and collaborate – be helpful in
