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Minute with John Maxwell - Following

In leadership circles, the concept of following often gets overshadowed by the allure of leading. However, John Maxwell, a master in leadership wisdom, consistently emphasizes that being a good follower is foundational to becoming a great leader. In this Minute with John Maxwell, let's explore the essential qualities of effective following.

The Value of Followership

John Maxwell often says, "You cannot lead others until you first lead yourself." This begins with being able to follow well. Following is not a passive activity; it is about active engagement, learning, and growing. By being a good follower, you develop a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics and the people you’ll one day lead.

Key Traits of a Great Follower

  • Humility: A great follower is humble enough to recognize that they don’t have all the answers. They are willing to learn from those who have gone before them and are open to receiving guidance and constructive criticism.
  • Commitment: Following is about showing up and being dedicated to the mission, vision, and goals of the leader and the organization. It’s about putting in the work, even when no one is watching.
  • Trustworthiness: A good follower builds trust by being reliable and dependable. Leaders rely on followers who can be counted on to follow through on tasks and to provide honest, thoughtful feedback.
  • Adaptability: In any leadership journey, circumstances change. A great follower is adaptable and resilient, ready to pivot and support the leader in navigating new challenges.
  • Initiative: Even though following often involves taking direction, it also requires initiative. Proactive followers anticipate needs, address issues before they escalate, and bring new ideas to the table.

Following as a Pathway to Leadership

Maxwell teaches that the skills and attitudes developed in following are directly transferable to leadership. When you follow well, you learn patience, empathy, and how to influence others without authority—all critical skills for a leader.

Moreover, following allows you to observe and analyze leadership in action. You get to see what works and what doesn’t, all while refining your own leadership philosophy.

Embrace the Journey of Following

In the journey of leadership, following is not a detour but a necessary path. It’s where you build the character, skills, and insights that will shape your future leadership. As John Maxwell often reminds us, the best leaders are those who first learned to follow well.

So, whether you're in a leadership position or aspiring to be, take a moment to appreciate the value of following. It's a crucial step in the process of becoming the leader you were meant to be.

By embracing the role of a follower, you set the stage for your growth as a leader. Remember, in every step of your leadership journey, there's always more to learn, and that often starts with following.

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