Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!
Your only 3 choices for when something important needs doing
I used to be a compulsive leader – couldn’t stop myself from jumping in – and it took quite a bit of development (and some tough-love from a couple of really good bosses) before I properly learnt how to be a good follower too.
But that quote in the image above sets out the only three choices anyway, doesn’t it?
1. If something important needs doing and you look around and no-one else has stepped-up, that’s your signal to lead.
2. If someone has taken the lead and is doing something that matters to you, get on board and follow their lead. You can discuss exact compass headings once you’re under way.
3. In all other circumstances, make sure you’re not in the way of what needs to happen, regardless of who is leading.
BTW the quote in that image is often attributed to Thomas Paine, but there’s no evidence of that and the language doesn’t seem quite right to me for an English-born, 18th Century philosopher and Founding-father. So I don’t really know who said it first, I just like it.
What about you:
Do you know when to lead?
Do you know how to follow?
Do you know how to tell if you’re actually in the way; part of the problem and not part of the solution?
Please leave a comment below if they’re still open at the time of reading, or tweet me @nickrobcoach
Lead, follow, or get out of the way - your only 3 choices for when something important needs doing Click To Tweet
