I Prefer to Follow

Darlene Wright
Jul 20, 2017 · 2 min read

I believe in the power of leadership because I have witnessed that power first hand and besides, I want to be lead. I know everyone wants to be the leader, but I have been well lead before and it is an exhilarating experience. Empowered to stretch the boundaries of personal limitations and any doubts diminished by the absolute security that the leader is fully supportive and encouraging and because I did not want to be the one to disappoint. I have admired those powerful women who seemed to gain in strength by the growth that they nurture.

To be so secure in her moral compass, that when asked to do things beyond my comfort level, I knew that she was aware of some bit of information to which I was not privy. That trust allowed me to walk out on a limb because together we had considered the situation from every angle and I knew if the limb gave way, she would be there. Not beside me because a short fall is a quick teacher, but not far away.

That wonderful power to get the most that a person has to offer with the least amount of intervention. To influence, persuade, explain, educate, convince, and listen. Listening may be the critical element of a good leader. To listen, patiently, without defense, walking me through the process, asking clarifying questions until we have arrived at the position she was directing, but I felt like I got there on my own. That kind of leadership. With a touch so light and a process so complete that the next time I would be able to do it on my own.

Modeling the behavior that is expected of other people is of course the only way to be a leader of men and women. Someone who is so secure in where they stand that their principles envelop them and every action, public and private is within those principles. These are the kind of people that I know where they will stand on a new development, because their values are constantly on exhibit through their actions. Instilling confidence, empowering creative decisions, educating, going on ahead and showing me the way is what he or she wants out of me, not just compliance.

Yet that concept is so easily dismissed. In-congruent words and deeds are so confusing. Doublespeak is really just a lie in disguise. When someone’s words do not match their actions, I get suspicious. Can a leader actually lead when the leader doesn’t know where they are going? When their values are picked out of whatever wind is blowing on a particular day.

I may be a follower, but that is a rabbit hole I’m not following anyone down.

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