When to lead.

We spend a lot of book time and class time and blog time and conference time discussing what leadership is. I think we should also spend time - much more time than we are - to discussing WHEN to lead.

Leadership ought to change with the situation. In other words, at each meeting, each topic at each meeting, and each conversation, different people can and should lead.

Many people err on the side of asserting leadership TOO much. This leads to dependancy and does not develop the capacity of the organizational to lead when needed (very important, because we are NOT there all the time or in all places - leadership needs to happen without the manager around).

Other people err on the side of letting more assertive people lead. This leads to an unlearning of our abilities and a disconnection from our work.

And some people don't know how to follow. We all need to follow most of the time. Are you a good follower? What does it mean to follow? You are NOT following if you:

• Let someone else "run" the meeting but constantly chime in with your opinions and make all the decisions.
• Are using the word empowerment to describe what's happening. When we empower, we are still the one "in power."
• Verbally pat someone on the head afterward and tell him or her what a great job he or she did leading. Followers don't patronize people, they just follow. The best reinforcement you can give someone is to follow.

Do you know how to follow?

Comments

[Gary Cohen]

It is my experience that leaders not letting others lead is frequently about trust. It is not that those who report to them are not trust worthy. It is often that those leading do not have the capacity to trust others with their business, organization or careers. Until this happens they may hold a position as a leader in an organization, but they are not demonstrating leadership.

[Gary Cohen]

It is my experience that leaders not letting others lead is frequently about trust. It is not that those who report to them are not trust worthy. It is often that those leading do not have the capacity to trust others with their business, organization or careers. Until this happens they may hold a position as a leader in an organization, but they are not demonstrating leadership.

[BarfieldMV]

I had a meeting recently.

The 'head' of the group explained incoming letters and noticable recent events.

The technical expert explained some technical planning and asked for some input.

I wrote everything down and just send around the meeting notes.

We were all leading in our own field of expertise and followed when someone else was in their own field of expertise.

[André Taylor]

I love your thoughts on deciding whether it is appropriate to lead. I am in the leadership business and one of the things that gets in the way of accomplishing is the "politics" of leading. In a crisis, people are focused on the best and fastest way to get something done. But during the routine work days and weeks, many are overly concerned with; Whether they look bad if they're not leading, imposing their will to create the illusion of leading, and the difficulties of taking direction from someone who has emerged as the leader. The question of whether it is appropriate for "Me" to lead right now, or better to support the leadership of another is a fundamental question that determines success.

[VENU.K]

Hi,
That was a wonderful thought on being a good follower.The whole lot of management professionals are so focussed on leadership that no one wants to be a follower.What they dont understand is that there are no leaders without followers.You can be a good leader only if you are a good follower.And there are no shortcuts to leadership.
What would you do if you find the whole world coming at you.Simple, just turn back and walk in front.Now you are leading world.
Keep up the excellent work
Best wishes
VENU.K