Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way

Gary GruberUncategorizedLead, Follow or Get Out of the Way
January 17 , 2012 /

Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way

Whether this was a bumper sticker or just intended as a catchy slogan, the message is fairly clear.  First of all, it does not ask a question.  It’s in the imperative voice and asks for a choice or a response.  You may or may not choose to lead.  You may or may not choose to follow the leader.  If you wish to be neither a leader nor follower then the message is get out of the way of those who have made a choice and know what they are doing.  They have declared their conscious and intentional role and they are committed to a particular set of actions.  Whether or not they are effective in those roles may be assessed by others according to whatever tools and measurements will be most informative and productive. 

Conscious and intentional choosing and not merely responding to what is presented can shift ones energy and help to focus on that which will be more in alignment with ones goals and desired outcomes.  There are times when it is necessary or incumbent upon us to respond and in so doing make sure that we are being pro-active and not just reactive.   More conscious choosing!

If you are trying to influence another person or a group, then it is imperative that you understand what is required of you as a leader to appreciate the view, the position, and the needs of the other person or group.  If you are a follower, then it is imperative that you are able to be in some kind of dialogue with the leader to have clear expectations that are mutually agreeable and acceptable, knowing that there can and probably will be times of conflict and disagreement.  But that is merely part of the process and not to be avoided.  Disagreement, if respectful and open, can be very productive.

Lead, follow or get out of the way sounds like a plan of action and if you are unsure, uncommitted, uninterested and uninvolved, that too may be your choice but let at least be semi-conscious!

 

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