Leadership has long been the pinnacle of personal and professional development, a goal that many aspire to attain. Titles, responsibilities, influence - these are often the markers of leadership that we strive for. However, true leadership encompasses more than just being in charge. It involves understanding when and how to follow. In fact, you cannot truly be a great leader unless you have first learned how to be a great follower.
Followership is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is the foundation on which leadership is built. Strong followership involves accountability, humility, and the willingness to learn. Effective followers recognize that they are part of something bigger, that the mission always comes before personal ego. The most effective leaders are not necessarily the loudest or most decorated individuals. They are those who have never forgotten what it feels like to take orders, adapt, and serve a higher cause.
Being a good follower is not a passive role. It involves active engagement, raising your hand when something isn't right, and always giving your best effort even when the spotlight isn't on you. Most importantly, it involves accepting correction and feedback with professionalism and perspective. This is where the real growth happens.
Correction is often misinterpreted, especially in high-performing environments like the military or law enforcement.
Many people view counseling or correction as a personal attack, treating it as a mark against their competence, character, or training. However, honest feedback is one of the greatest tools for growth. As the adage goes, "Feedback that initially stings often becomes your most valuable leadership lesson. The discomfort you feel in that moment is growth trying to happen—lean into it."
If we frame every conversation as a threat, we miss out on valuable opportunities to sharpen our skills and grow as leaders. Good leaders not only want correction, but they also seek it out. They model it and demonstrate to their teams that accepting feedback is not a sign of weakness but a badge of maturity.
Every level of leadership involves some form of followership. Whether it's following policy, law, strategy, commanders, elected officials, or even the needs of your people, leaders are constantly in a dual role. The best leaders understand the weight of this dual role and walk it with integrity. They don't just demand excellence; they model it through disciplined followership.
The paths of leadership and followership are not separate. They are intertwined. If we want to grow strong teams and make a lasting impact, we must treat followership as a skill to be mastered, not a phase to outgrow.
In conclusion, leadership is not just a rank or a title—it's a responsibility. That responsibility begins with knowing how to follow. When you receive feedback that stings, remember: it's not an indictment of your character—it's a chance to grow into the leader that others need you to be.
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