Being a leader not a follower

Many people in my school are just followers. They wouldn't know what to do if you left them alone in life. I myself was guilty of this last year. Then I realized "umm wth am I doing just following these people around all the time?" What are the characteristics of an effective leader? Some people are just natural born leaders.

Have you ever been a follower?
Are you a follower?
Are you a leader?

Tags: follow, leader, people, problem, school

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kalessin on January 25, 2009 at 7:46am: Hey, everyone follows someone at some point in their life. I don't fit easily into the category of leader OR follower - sometimes I'm one, sometimes I'm another, sometimes I'm doing something but there's no-one following, and you can't lead without followers. It goes against the definition of leading, but that doesn't mean you can only do things by either leading or following. You can do something now, and maybe in a month, or five years, or a hundred years, someone might notice. But if they don't, it doesn't matter. My point is that leading and following are not the only ways to do things, and that in fact, people live their lives through a combination of these things, not through one alone.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by tommy on January 25, 2009 at 1:10pm: I'am what they call a person set in their ways.Meaning i do things mostly by routine.For me to be this way it's must been taught long ago.So i must be following something?Maybe my parents?If someone like my way of doing things they follow.So guess i'am a leader and a follower.I hope i'am a good example.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by matt on January 25, 2009 at 6:16pm: I guess it depends on the situation but at work I'm a ass. manager.That petty much put me as a leader.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by zach on January 25, 2009 at 7:08pm: I'm on my own lol. I kinda lead, but nobody follows me lol.... yea...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by RunDavid on January 25, 2009 at 8:30pm: To me, being a Leader is just being yourself. But be a good person. I was never a follower. I was a loner sadly. It's okay to follow if the person you're walking with is leading by good example. You should know good from bad.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Frank Schnyder on January 27, 2009 at 1:11pm: Society today places too much emphasis on brain power and decision making. It's assumed that leaders are brilliant because they come up with the idea when in actuality all the work is done by the followers. As if they shouldn't get credit because they didn't have to use their mind.

I love working for a boss I believe in, being given a task or project and carrying that out, and then knowing that I did a good job. That's what I've had for 2 years. Too bad they're outsourcing my department.

Real leaders will show up now in companies that don't think cutting jobs is the only way to stay in business. At least I hope so.

Inspiring leaders know what's best for everyone and don't just follow their own selfish whims.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pedro Remedios on January 28, 2009 at 3:31am: I like leading because I have no patience for following. Period.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by TyphoidKitten on February 24, 2009 at 3:40pm: I'm more of the guy that watches as everyone walks this way and that way. I don't lead anybody and I don't follow anybody. Only myself.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by NeferSif on February 27, 2009 at 7:50am: I don't want to be a leader. Too much of a pain and not worth the trouble. I have no desire for power. I am usually the person whispering suggestions in the leaders ear. An advisor of sorts. This makes my position just as pleasant as if I were running things. Just without all that responsibility and face time. They appreciate this and recognize me as a valuable person to have around.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Typicalexbf on February 27, 2009 at 9:50am: Have you ever been a follower? Yes, it is a part of life. No one can make claim to being a leader their entire life.

Are you a follower? Nope.

Are you a leader? Yes, ever since I stopped caring about what other people think. Wonderful feeling! :D; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jada L. on March 5, 2009 at 10:54am: Well I am a little of both actually. I think it depends on the situation. I think for anyone to be a successful leader they have to be willing to handover the reins from time to time.So that they can hear new suggestions, and regain their prospective.; ▶ Reply to This