Leaders as Followers

One of my favorite pastimes is chasing down one thought which leads to a totally different thought which is unexpected pure gold. Like this one, from Garry Wills' "Certain Trumpets: The Call of Leaders."

The mystery of leadership and followership goes on all around us - and within us. We are all in some measure leaders and followers - as we are, most of us, alternately parents and children, employers and employees, teachers and taught. Integration of our leading and led selves is one of the goals we seek when we look at exemplary cases of leadership and following. Tell me who your admired leaders are, and you have bared your soul.

The leader most needs followers. When those are lacking, the best ideas, the strongest will, the most wonderful smile have no effect.

Leader: Who is following you?