As children we have all played the game, "Follow the Leader". It is not complicated; just do what the leader does. Total imitation without deviation or individuality is the goal of this game. It is meant to be a nonsensical game and usually ends in laughter. So I am wondering......Are we still playing "Follow the Leader?" What if we are supposed to be the leader?
It is not easy to be a leader; it would be so much easier to go through life just doing what somebody else tells us to do so we don't have to take responsibility for anything. There are many people who live this way. We must be careful in deciding which leaders to follow.
What is leadership? Recently, two quotes on leadership have come into my life, and they are still percolating in my aging brain.
“Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.” Tom Peters
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." —Jim Rohn
I invested the majority of my working years in some facet of education. In each position, I was expected to follow orders, but also to be a leader. Even from the lowest position of rank I had responsibilities to lead, train, and hopefully encourage someone else to become a leader. I would like to think I was a good leader and made a positive impact on others through my life. Most of my former students are adults who have been making their mark on this world for over 30 years. (Yes, I am old!) We laugh about their student behaviors and attitudes, but they thank me for my influence in their life; although at the time, they weren't always appreciative of my leadership. :)
How did I become a leader? I attribute any ability I have to a decision I made early in life. At the age of 7, I made the choice to follow Jesus as the leader in my life. I have not been a perfect follower, and I have struggled with being a good leader because I couldn't be perfect like Jesus. The greatest news is that I have learned that I don't have to be perfect! As long as I am following the only perfect leader ever known, I can lead others with His strength to help me.
So, which are you--follower or leader? I submit that the best answer is to be both. Choose the right leader to follow, then LEAD!
