It’s harder to follow than it is to lead.
Leaders have passion for what they do. They have practiced sticking out their necks, taking risks, trying new things, and failing.
For leaders, being the lone dancer in the crowd is their norm.
Dancing to the music is the right thing to do, even if it is all alone.
But first followers… Life is very different for them.
Followers are straddling two worlds. While one foot is firmly planted in their peer group, their team, their home position, they have suddenly taken a step out of their comfort zone.
Perhaps it is because they have heard music they can dance to for the first time. Perhaps the song has finally come along that they have waited all night for. Or perhaps they have been dancing with the door closed for a long time.
But first followers have the most to lose.
The leader might sit down again, leaving the follower all alone, dancing to a different tune than everyone else on the hill.
The leader might keep right on dancing to a different tune, ignoring the new partner.
Those sitting on the hill might tell the first follower that he is no longer welcome to sit with them. He should go off and just keep dancing with his new partner.
Those sitting on the hill might grab the first follower’s legs and try to pull him back down. They are afraid to try to keep up, and he is making them look slow.
But it is the first follower that other followers emulate.
First followers are critical to the movement.
First followers are catalysts for change.
Photo Credit: h.koppdelaney via Compfight cc
As a school or system leader, how will you nurture your first followers this school year?
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(Shared here by Stacey Wallwin @wallwins http://swallwin.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/are-you-nuts-maybe-just-a-little/)
“It takes guts to be a first follower. You stand out…”
“Being a first follower is an unappreciated form of leadership.”
…for Susan
