Follow the Leader

Sir Winston Churchill, Ray Lewis, and Steve Jobs. Three names. Three people. Three different professions. Three different characteristics and abilities. Three people who knew how to lead, their way. Sir Winston Churchill was gifted with the ability to stay strong in the face of overwhelming despair and to be the only one in the room capable of seeing a positive alternative. Sir Winston Churchill was able to convince a nation of people to keep fighting, keep going, and ultimately defeat a world terror. Sir Winston Churchill was a leader. Ray Lewis was gifted with an athletic determination to achieve at all costs. Ray Lewis had a voice and mannerisms used to encourage, motivate, and bring the men in his locker room with him to any battle on the gridiron. Even now, in retirement, people of all ages flock to hear Ray Lewis speak and are motivated by his voice. Ray Lewis is a leader. Steve Jobs changed the world through ideas and innovation. Through meticulous attention to detail and thinking with different perspectives Steve Jobs took a company from the garage to one of the largest on a global scale. Steve Jobs knew how to tunnel deep into human psychology to understand why consumers buy what they buy. Steve Jobs was a storyteller who shaped not only the company of Apple, but the world. Steve Jobs was a leader.

The discussion of these great leaders is to emphasize that people know who good leaders are. The best leaders get remembered by their names and contributions to society. However, not everyone is a leader in this way. Not everyone has to be the keynote speaker at every presentation. Not everyone needs to provide speeches to their teammates for motivation. Many people are just in the crowd listening to the speakers. Many people follow what is said.

One of my friend’s bosses shared the perspective that he knew he was not the best person to be the leader of the company. He chose to lean into his strengths and be the “best second in command you could ever ask for.” Everyone should not feel pressure to be a leader. Some people are more comfortable being told what to do. Some people are uncomfortable making decisions for the whole group. Some people prefer to stick to the sides and let others take control. It does not take a public-facing leader to be successful nor does it take being a leader to do the right thing. Opt to lead or opt to follow, both parties are needed in life.