Are You A Leader Or A Follower?

When people would ask me, “Are you a leader or a follower?” I would proudly reply “Oh, I am a follower.” My passive behaviour, my non-committal personality and my people-pleasing tendencies seemed to fit well as a submissive follower.

But lately my view about leadership has changed. I read a book by John Maxwell called “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” Maxwell is so bold as to say “Leadership ability is the lid that determines a person’s level of effectiveness. The lower an individual’s ability to lead, the lower the lid on his potential.”

He goes on to say, “Whatever you will accomplish is restricted by your ability to lead others. Personal and organizational effectiveness is proportionate to the strength of leadership.”

Reading such statements challenged my passive involvement in life. Was he indeed telling me that I will never reach my potential unless I develop leadership abilities? Is he so bold as to believe that everyone can be a leader? Too many chefs in the kitchen cause chaos and confusion.

He convinced me that I should be a leader, at least in the sphere of influence I presently find myself. There are times to be a follower, but there are times to be a leader too. If I am wise, I will learn to submit to those who are wiser. There are times to submit myself to authority, humble myself and learn from those in authority. A good leader is a good follower.

Proverbs 12:24 says “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed.” Being passive, lazy and non-committed in my workplace was hindering me from developing my potential” I remember telling myself “Why would I want to be a leader? I have enough headaches already.

Delegating to people who don’t follow through and being blamed for everything, who wants that? Managing others when I can hardly take care of myself, that’s not for me.”

My mind was set on being passive and always looking for the easy way out. But as I began to get out of my comfort zone and do things I didn’t like to do or want to do, I truly began to develop new abilities that I did not have before.

At first I still felt unsure and I was somewhat afraid. Even so I started to step out of my comfort zone. I admitted my ignorance in areas and started to ask for help. I swallowed my pride and my concern for making mistakes. The fear departed and I started to grow in leadership abilities and thus to tap into greater potential, especially in the area of organizational skills.

Becoming a leader has had positive affects in every aspect of my life and I would highly recommend that you do likewise, at least in your sphere of influence.

Are you a leader or a follower? Be both.