Follow the Leader

Sometimes You Lead. Sometimes You Follow. Both Matter.

We live in a world that misrepresents leadership. We've decided that everyone should be “in the lead,” and if they're not, they're somehow failing. In doing so, we've dramatically undervalued the contributions of people who don't shine with a title or a role.

You can be a leader and a difference-maker without leading people.

I was an individual contributor for many years, by choice. Family obligations, an inability to relocate, and a need for stability shaped that decision. And yet, I didn't “stall." I crushed my sales goals. I raised my hand for stretch assignments. I influenced outcomes beyond my role. I was a leader without the title.

However, most people should not be people leaders. They are strong contributors, but they lack either the desire or the skill to create strategic, purposeful, performance-generating plans. That doesn't make them lesser. It makes them essential in a different way.

There are also people who should never work for others. Not because they're difficult, but because they have a strong leadership identity. Taking direction creates internal stress for them. That doesn't mean they aren't collaborative or unwilling to listen; often, the very best of these leaders do listen. When channeled well, they drive teams and organizations to success.

Then there are team members with neutral or lower leadership intensity. These people are the glue. They are the culture carriers. They create stability and cohesion. They may lack the intensity required to close or push aggressively, and they often need more direction and intervention. They also need space to talk through their ideas. These individuals are not your future people leaders, but they are always solid hires.

The most complex group is those with a high desire to lead and a strong willingness to follow. These are your future leaders if you mentor them effectively. They understand people. They're natural networkers. They're often top performers with deep empathy and awareness of others. Without guidance, they stagnate. With mentorship, they scale.

We've done a disservice to current and future generations by telling them, “You can be anything.” We have sensationalized the corporate world with inflated titles and the narrative that you need to be the "boss". Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Sometimes the work is to hone your skills, find your peace, and follow the strategy rather than push against it. Leadership isn't about being in front. It's about being aligned and knowing where you do your best work.

If you are interested in learning more about your team and how to optimize your performance, DM me. We can discuss how understanding yourself and your team at a biometric level will help you align your people and processes for growth.