The Courage to Follow

Hiwot’s “Follow to Lead” thought reminded me of this wonderful three-minute TED talk. It’s called “How to Start a Movement” by Derek Silvers. I learned so much about change and leadership in those three minutes and all with a broad smile on my face. I learned that:

The first followers are as important to any change as the leader.

Any leader needs to embrace the first followers as equals, not as subordinates.

Without followers, leadership does not exist. It’s the first followers who “transform a lone nut into a leader.” Or as the Malawian proverb beautifully puts it: “A leader without followers, is simply someone going for a walk.”

If you want to catalyze change, “Have the courage to follow and show others how to follow.”

• This week, what are the situations where you need to join in with others?
• Whose example do you need to follow?

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