Are you a leader or a follower?

Who is a leader?

A leader is an individual who influences, inspires, and guides a group of people toward achieving a common goal. Leadership can occur in various settings, such as organizations, communities, families, or nations. The role of a leader often involves making decisions, motivating others, setting examples, and fostering an environment where individuals can succeed.

The characteristics of a leader often include:

• The ability to see and articulate a clear and inspiring future.
• Integrity, an individual who practices moral and ethical principles.
• The skill to convey ideas effectively and listen to others.
• Empathy, understanding and valuing other’s perspectives.
• Accountability, taking responsibility for actions and decisions.

Who is a follower?

A follower is an individual who supports, respects, and contributes to the vision, goals, or directives set by a leader or group. Followers play an essential role in any team or organization by providing the effort, skills, and perspectives necessary to achieve collective success.

The characteristics of a follower includes:

• Dedication to the goals and values of the group or leader.
• Actively contributing to the team’s success through collaboration and effort.
• Adjusting to changes and challenges as they arise.
• They apply critical thinking to improve processes and outcomes, such as offering constructive feedback and ideas.
• Acknowledging and valuing the leader’s role while maintaining mutual respect within the group.

The above are the definition and characteristics of a good leader and follower. However, it is essential to note that the qualities of a leader, and a follower are not very different from each other. In fact the only notable difference is in the responsibility of authority.

A true follower is a leader, a true leader is a follower.

A true follower is a leader, a true leader is a follower. What does this mean? When one look critically at the qualities of a leader, one will find the qualities of a follower, and vice versa.

A leader who doesn’t possess the qualities of a follower is only a leader by title. Such an individual will not excel in leadership. A follower who doesn’t possess the qualities of a leader will make little or no impact for the course, as they do not possess the qualities to drive the growth and success of the proposed vision.

A follower should take up the challenge, and perform tasks as a responsibility. Though it is easier to be a follower than a leader, because of the responsibilities involved with leadership. Yet everyone wants to be a leader, but with no responsibility. True leadership is not a title, it is not something that is given, it is something one becomes. Titles are simply responsibilities, though the difference in roles and authorities may be vast, but the qualities are greatly similar.