10 Signs You’re a Follower Instead of a Leader

Anyone is capable of becoming a leader, but not everyone is cut out for leadership. That doesn’t mean they’re less capable of making an important contribution, just that they bring a different set of skills to the table.

There’s nothing wrong with being a follower–the world needs them as much as leaders. There’s a balance to everything. The trick is knowing which role you’re best qualified to fill.

Here are some traits that may show you might be more comfortable following than leading:

1. You have to work to control your emotions. The best leaders have emotional intelligence; they may feel things deeply but they’re emotionally strong and stay in charge of their feelings. Followers are more reactive with their emotions, while leaders are more responsive.

2. You like the middle of the road. Successful leaders have strong convictions and are bold in their beliefs, while followers are less committed to ideals. Followers get out of the storm while leaders stand strong against it.

3. You’re set and rigid in your thinking. Leaders may be headstrong and determined, but they also know when to be flexible and agile. Followers are more inclined to stay on the set course come what may.

4. You’re averse to risk. By nature, followers are more cautious than bold. Leaders combine big dreams and action; they leap into situations where both the payoff and the risk are substantial. Followers watch and take notes; they move more slowly.

5. You’re not high in self-confidence. Leaders tend to be decisive, opinionated and self-assured. Followers are more likely to see limits in their abilities and put more faith in the judgments of others.

6. You’re not particularly results-oriented. Leaders like to have a definitive plan and a blueprint for getting results–a bridge between goals and accomplishment. Followers like to have clear instructions that allow them to focus more on their individual corner of big picture.

7. You favor a scattershot approach over focus. Successful leaders are all about discipline, focus and getting things done. Followers are more comfortable with distraction–they’re skilled at putting things down and picking them up again later.

8. You’re not communicative. Leaders are often good speakers and patient listeners who enjoy bringing people together and motivating them. Followers tend to be more introspective and less communicative.

9. You don’t look too far ahead. Leaders are almost always characterized by a clear vision for the future and sharing that vision with others. Followers either focus on the moment or sign on to a leader’s vision.

10. You’re more about the nuts and bolts than inspiration. An important quality of a leader is to motivate and inspire others. For followers, that kind of thinking doesn’t come naturally at all.

Both leaders and followers can be equally driven by their desire to make a difference. And it’s not a clear distinction–most of have elements of both sides, and one or the other may come to the forefront depending on the situation. You don’t have to be in charge to be influential.

 


N A T I O N A L    B E S T S E L L E R

THE LEADERSHIP GAP

What Gets Between You and Your Greatness

After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

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Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

  1. Noland Owens

    18. Nov, 2018

    Dolly,
    I enjoy your insight. Often when leading others, I find that follows can’t see the forest for the trees. The simple way you word things rings true. I appreciate the thoughts you share.
    Right decisions for a leader….even if perceived as being wrong by others…separates them from the masses. It’s the stick to it nature of a leader with the willingness to adjust the method not the objective that takes us to the place of accomplishment.
    Best wishes for you in all of your endeavors.

    Noland Owens

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