Top Reads Of The Week: Great Leaders, Better Followers

“He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader” – Aristotle

There are clear distinctions between leaders and followers. Both are highly necessary for every organization, and the jobs they do are vital in achieving success. But with the differences in these roles comes contrasting perspectives. Thus, to be a great leader, one must widen their viewpoint and consider angles that come from the direction of their followers. Only then can decisions be made comfortably within consensus and attaining goals will be a team effort.

Although this might sound simple, it is definitely easier said than done. The responsibility of those decisions lies heavily on the leaders and not the followers. We will need to bear the consequences of our actions in the event it goes sideways. Therefore, it is up to us as leaders of our respective teams to find the balance. To inspire and engage our followers and lead them towards our desired objectives.

This week, I would like to share three pieces of articles that can help us discover deeper into what it means for a leader to understand and communicate themselves from the viewpoint of a follower.

Lead or Follow? Both!

First and foremost, many make the mistake of thinking that titles make leaders. That is further from the truth as it can get. Professionals can be great managers or heads of departments, and yet, they might fail as leaders. Hence, the journey of learning and discovering how to lead successfully never ends.

Research: To Be A Good Leader, Start By Being A Good Follower

This is an interesting article featuring a case study of how the Royal Marines determine which recruit is suitable to be great followers and which ones cut out to be leaders. Have a look at the analysis made, and the results might surprise you.

5 Reasons Why Good Leaders Must Be Great Followers

Amongst the five crucial factors included on why good leaders must be great followers, one stands out from the rest. Egotism (more on this in the bonus video below). Many leaders fear that when they give in too much, their role or position might get jeopardized, and they will then be seen as weak or unworthy. In turn, they build up fences and restrict the decision-making to themselves. Read on to find out more on how the removal of ego can help boost our team’s progress for better successes.

Bonus