The Balance of Influence

A common misconception is that people are either leaders or followers. The truth is, we all lead in some way through influence and we all follow something or someone, whether it’s a belief system, cause, or individual.

The Corporate Dynamic

Operationally, there will always be someone to report to, no matter where you stand in the hierarchy. Corporate culture typically flows like this:

• Entry-level employees report to supervisors.
• Supervisors report to managers.
• Managers report to executives.
• Executives report to senior executives.
• The CEO ultimately reports to the board or other key stakeholders.

The Leadership Equation

While mastering leadership skills is essential, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Great leaders require exceptional talent, the ability to attract followers, and equally important, the humility to follow others.

Being a good follower teaches us:

• How to appreciate the contributions of others.
• How to enhance our emotional intelligence.

Leadership isn’t just about influence. It’s about recognizing shared vulnerabilities, challenges, and the humanity we all bring to the table.

Growth Through Awareness

Many leaders could achieve far more by embracing their need for personal growth and development not just for themselves, but for those they lead. As Aristotle famously said:

“He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.”