Great Followership is a Choice – Why It Matters . . .

by Nov 4, 2010Followership, Insights, Leadership, Self awareness

I live in Michigan, and if you have read anything about the economy you know we are close to last when states are ranked in terms of economic health.  We have a long journey in front of us.  As we wait for a new governor to start and demand for new/old products to grow I cannot help but think that I am tired of waiting.  Really, what am I waiting for?  We often look to leaders to fix things or make things better, waiting for the right rallying cry or piece of legislation.  In waiting, we make a choice to let someone else figure things out.

Sometimes it is important to recognize what we have many things to be thankful for, and then make the choice to make it better.  I believe this is one of those times.  Here are a few illustrations of  what I mean.

  • A sunny day is a gift.  Going outside to enjoy it is a choice.
  • Children are a gift.   Putting your paper down to listen to them is a choice.
  • Having a job is a gift.  Getting enjoyment and fulfillment from that job is a choice.
  • Having people around you to help you find a job is a gift.  Preparing for the interview and being confident in who you are is a choice.
  • Having a great boss is a gift.  Trusting and supporting that boss is a choice.
  • Being asked your opinion by the CEO is a gift.  Giving a truthful answer is a choice.
  • Your talents are a gift.  Choosing a path/role/project to share those talents is a choice.
  • A paycheck is a gift.  Choosing to smile when you open it is a choice.

The election is over, but we should not wait for new leaders to improve our outlook and get things moving.  As followers, we have a choice.  The ironic thing about becoming a great follower – if we do it really well we end up being leaders.

Recent & Related

Transitioning Leaders Using EOS™ Tools

When you have a member of your leadership team leave, filling a key seat with a new person can happen one of two ways: smoothly or chaotically. Utilizing the tools provided by EOS can support your efforts to ensure a smooth transition,...

read more

Overcoming the 3 Barriers to Delegation

At the beginning of every EOS journey is Focus Day. It’s a day dedicated to establishing the leadership team, setting rocks, and learning about the five leadership abilities and how you can use them to create breakthrough moments for your...

read more
Defining Resilience with EOS Implementer Nathan Beene

Defining Resilience with EOS Implementer Nathan Beene

In my last blog, I posed a few questions around how we as individuals define resilience, and what it means to us to be resilient. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Nathan Beene, the COO of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation and a fellow...

read more