The Art of Followership: How Being a Follower Shapes Strong Leaders

Strong leaders aren't born – they're carefully cultivated.

We all aspire for success, whether in the boardroom, community or within our families. This journey often demands strong leadership. But let's remember that the foundation of leadership is rooted in the art of following.

The journey begins not in the spotlight but in the shadows, diligently learning from those who've come before.

Imagine a young prodigy standing at the foothills of a vast mountain range, eyes focused on the towering peaks.

But before reaching those heights, they must take the well-tread path – not as a pioneer but a follower.

Have you ever considered the role of following in your journey?

While in pursuit of leadership, we acquire key skills and insights. But these insights are often developed in the background, observing and learning from our mentors and peers, refining our understanding as we progress.

Being a follower isn't a passive role.

It's an active engagement process that involves listening, observing, and understanding. It's about absorbing the knowledge around us, making sense of it, and then pushing forward with new ideas and solutions.

So, the next time you're praised for your leadership, remember the silent growth that occurred while following others. Our past as followers shapes our present as leaders.

As we navigate our professional journeys, I challenge you to rethink the definition of success. Have you not only led but also followed and learned from those experiences?

Can you honestly say you've been a great follower?