MUST WE ALL BE LEADERS?

Being an article by Lesley Chimezie Nwankwo.

Overtime we have had our minds conditioned to believe that we are all supposed to be leaders. We attend “Leadership Summits” and Trainings so often, where we are taught how to be leaders.

We are taught characteristics that make people leaders and made to believe that only people who become leaders get ahead in life. As a result, we tend to look down on certain people whom we believe do not exhibit these characteristics.
However, one truth we all must embrace sooner rather than later is that WE CANNOT ALL BE LEADERS.

But it does not mean that we cannot make meaningful impact or indeed be successful.

We can all be committed followers, doggedly sold out on the dreams and willing to do what it takes to actualise the visions of our leaders.

Like in every system: a car, a machine, a beehive, the human body or a wolf pack, every member or component has a role to play for the overall success of the system
Not every wolf gets to be alpha.
Not every be is a queen bee.
Not every car component is the engine.
Not every part of the body is the head or engine.

Just the same way not everybody can be a leader. Also, just as every system needs all components and members playing their roles in order to function, every leader needs committed followers in order to succeed.

Imagine what would happen if every wolf tried to be alpha or if every bee attempted to become queen. There is bound to be chaos at every moment. Instead every worker bee and pack member finds their places and plays their individual roles, respecting the natural order of leadership. 

Because nature made it so.

But in humans the case is completely different. Everybody wants to be a leader. We feel entitled to it. Our egos demand it. We want to be respected and looked up to in adulation. Some of us feel disrespected when commands are handed down to us by people in authorities over us.

Therein lies the problem. It is impossible for all of us to be leaders. Some of us need to be the boots on the ground. Some of us need to do the dirty jobs, carry the loads, and turn the wheels of the machine in order to make the system work.

Don’t be ashamed to be a follower.

EVERY LEADER NEEDS FOLLOWERS.

We have too many ‘wannabe’ leaders running around, causing chaos in organisations.

Having a brilliant idea or opinion doesn’t make you a leader.

Handling an important role to play in the organisation doesn’t automatically qualify you to be the leader.

There would be so much less chaos if we all play our roles and follow chains of authority rather than struggle to be head at all cost. The majority of the troubles in society today are linked clashes of egos.

Most of which are caused by people who feel they should be the head or they think they can do better than their leaders.

There is usually a line of succession in almost every system. When something happens to an alpha wolf, another takes its place in natural succession. The same happens in the beehive. The wolves and bees don't go about fighting and struggling to undo the other to become the head. They simply follow; playing their roles. And when the time comes, the succession takes place naturally.

If you cannot follow faithfully, how do you expect to be followed faithfully when you ascend to the position of leadership?
We must realise that some of those who make the best leaders are the ones who were the best followers. 

Remember, you do not have to be a leader to succeed in life. You simply have to do your best in whatever you find yourself doing and do it with all enthusiasm.

Be a faithful follower. Be the real person who gets things done.