Coaches always stress the importance of leadership and the development of team leaders. I tend to follow a definition stating, “Leadership is the sum of those qualities of intellect, character, and interpersonal skills enabling an individual to guide a group of people to successfully achieve a goal.” It is inarguable that strong leadership is critical to the success of any team, and personal example is one of the strongest attributes of a good leader.
At the same time, it is also critical to develop followers. Followers, especially the first follower, reinforce the leader’s example, and by doing so, set an example of their own. Like the leader, he or she will stand out and is vulnerable to questioning and perhaps even ridicule by the group. The first follower transforms the leader’s lone idea into a group’s thought, and at the same time makes it acceptable for others to join and follow as well. The first follower is key in starting any movement, changing, or reinforcing any culture.
The picture here includes a link to Derek Sivers’ video and discussion of the first follower’s power. In it, you will see a lone dancer in a field at a music festival who appears to be ostracized or at least segregated from those around him. When one person shows the courage to join him, it opens the door for others to follow. The first follower emulates the leader and makes the leader’s actions acceptable to others, and in turn, creates a movement. At the same time, take note of the leader’s response to the first follower; he welcomes him and makes it about “them” rather than about him. In doing so, he demonstrates the importance of the team, builds trust, and together the leader and first follower create an atmosphere many others find inviting. The first follower is an often underappreciated form of leadership.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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