There’s a lot of talk in regards to leaders.
We watch leaders on TV, they indoctrinate us on the internet & they share their opinions with gusto and force. They inspire. They change. They move. Sometimes for good. Sometimes for bad.
…but don’t forget the followers. Followers are just as inspiring.
Have you ever taken a moment to watch a mother duck and her ducklings? Two impressive attributes and qualities strike me in regards to the ducklings:
- Complete trust. They follow their mother everywhere and have a firm conviction of her infallibility.
- They stick together. Ducklings don’t just follow; they follow together. Surrounded and strengthened by their siblings.
There are followers who do so blindly – and those who follow with class and research. That’s the type of follower we should be. The type who “does the research” and understands and supports leaders who uphold strong values and a general good for all. There are good followers and bad, much the same like their leader counterparts.
Just remember one thing.
A leader exists because of the follower.
You will never find a successful blogger without finding a ream of followers close by. No President is elected in lieu of support. There will exist no celebrity without the fan.
Are you a born leader? Do you find it easier to follow? What attributes make a grand follower? Does our society put too much focus on leaders?
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian 
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: connectyou
August 23, 2011 at 8:18 am
Christian,
Quite insightful!
I think our society does put too much emphasis on the leaders. I also think too many leaders forget how they got to be leaders.
The one statement relative to social media: We need to write for our audience. (Our followers)
~Keri
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:36 am
You make a great point. Leaders forgetting to lead. That’s a big problem seen in probably every industry and environment. You’ve hit the nail on the head though. Write FOR the audience. See them in your mind – and share what might benefit THEM.
I definitely think our society puts too much emphasis on leaders. We’re told that a business can turn around simply by bringing in a new CEO, or that our economy can improve if we choose a new president. There are a few rare cases where one person does make the difference. But most of the time, the leader has to focus on inspiring followers to support and execute a shared vision.
Very thought-provoking post Christian! Well done.
Marianne Worley recently posted..How I Knew I Would Lose My Job the Day Before it Happened
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:40 am
And it’s an interesting concept, Marianne, because the President or CEO could NEVER do everything on their own because their followers still MUST choose to follow or reject the inspiration that’s being presented to them.
No matter how good that President is, if the people choose to not listen – nothing is going to happen.
But then again, if the President is very, very good at inspiring – then something more than likely is going to happen. That will of the people might even be overridden or sparked by that leader.
Interesting. We’ve got ourselves a conundrum.
I think when all is said and done, it takes two. The leader and the follower. It’s more of a symbiotic, living relationship that takes place.
Great points Christian.
I am the following right now until hopefully in the near future I become a leader
. I think you are making a good break for being a leader though Christian. Keep up the great work with the consistent blog posts.
Michael recently posted..GetBusyLivingBlog.com | Interview With Benny Hsu
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 1:18 pm
I certainly believe you’re a leader Michael. I mean, you’re in a very, very small percentile of people who have a blog in your niche – if you were to amass the world. You’re one of those few who are on the cusp of technology, social media and more. That’s phenomenal!
Haha – well thanks for trying to pump me up there!
I guess if you look in the perspective of the world as a whole then yes. However I am looking at my particular niche itself. In that respect I am just starting out. I’d like to be one of the leaders in my niche! That is what I am working towards in hopefully the next 2 years.
Michael recently posted..GetBusyLivingBlog.com | Interview With Benny Hsu
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 3:59 pm
And I say go for it, Michael. You’ll do it. You sure will. Especially if you’ve got that goal of two years setup, you’re working hard – and not letting anything stop you in your path!
Hey Christian!
It’s like that TED video.
Until you have a first follower, you’re not a leader, you’re just a nut.
The first follower is more important than the leader with that argument.
Matt R recently posted..How Johnny Cash and Nine Inch Nails Teach Improvising
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 1:19 pm
And even if someone doesn’t have a follower, do you believe people are leaders in example too?
I believe a leader is a person who walks on his/her own path, regardless of followers or acknowledgements from others. He remains true to the path he chose, because he believes in it.
He doesn’t try to set an example for anyone but himself. He is proving for himself that he can do it. Others get inspired if they wish so or not, it doesn’t concern him. It might motivate him, but motivation comes from himself first and foremost.
I kind of view it like when Forrest Gump decided to run across the country. He didn’t seek people to follow him or to set out to make an example. He just did it because he wanted to.
Allan recently posted..Daring to Risk: The First Step in Transforming Your Life
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Great way to put it Allan. Love the use of Forrest, too, because that’s someone most all of us have connected with.
You’re so right. Forrest lives his own path – and was a true leader!
Definitely leaders in example too.
Problem is that the perception could be that they’re “weird” but if they know they’re a leader, followers will eventually come.
By eventually, look at Copernicus+Sun is center of Universe.
Thanks for celebrating followers Christian. It sounds cliched to us watching but that’s why artists get on stage at music awards and thank their fans (or followers) They know they are where they are because so many people listen and support them. Many artists and leaders of all sorts sometimes forget quickly where they came from.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 7:08 pm
You’re so right Vishnu! They would be nowhere without the support we give to them. Every time we buy one of their products, we’re literally “voting” for them to continue their work.
Have a wonderful evening,
Christian
Twitter: Justicewordlaw
August 23, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Christian,
You’re so correct with this blog post and your thoughts on this matter. Leaders are on their because they have a team of people following them and encouraging them along the way.
Justice Wordlaw IV recently posted..Create A Product & Don’t Let Fear Take Over
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 12:14 am
So it’s best that we are sure to make those friends – otherwise it’s going to be hard to be a leader without support!
Twitter: RyanBiddulph
August 23, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Hi Christian,
I REALLY dig your insight! Just had to let you know.
Leaders become leaders because of followers. Without followers, a leader is alone. Followers inspire leaders through the tough times, and we learn as many lessons from loyal, trusting, tenacious followers as we do from leaders.
Excellent take Christian, thanks for sharing with us!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..3 Creative Techniques to Generate Ideas for Your Internet Marketing Campaign
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 12:17 am
Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.
I love your take on followers too, as you’ve put it into a nice little perspective there. It make sense. Love it! Seems the followers and leaders give and take – and share in that relationship.
Twitter: MattGron
August 24, 2011 at 1:38 am
Lead and guide your followers. Create action and movement. This will always strengthens your position. I think it begins with leading yourself so in an early phase you maybe don’t have any followers.
/M
Mattias Gronborg recently posted..Put your ear to the ground and listen carefully
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 11:02 am
Leading yourself. I love that thought Mattias. Might want to ponder that a little longer. Maybe even a blog post is on its way. You’re a genius!
Twitter: MattGron
August 24, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Thanks Christian!
Maybe we can do a Skype call and talk about this subject more. I would like the get to know you better and listen to your insights.
/M
Mattias Gronborg recently posted..What’s the goal with your presence in social media
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Will shoot you an email now!
Hi Christian! Well to be a leader, somebody has GOT to follow you. I see a lot of political unrest and so many candidates etc. but I think it safe to say people are sure searching! As a blogger I write for “the people” sharing what I know to be true on health issues due to decades of research. My followers may not “like” what I have to say sometimes (topics may involve “giving up” something they are addicted to) but I also encourage people to do more research on their own if they think I’m nuts.
You are well on your way to being a wonderful leader in the blogosphere!
Hugs
suZen
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 11:05 am
I think that’s one of the toughest things for all of us, as humans, to do. Give up those things we’re addicted to. I don’t drink coffee, will never drink, a policy to not smoke, etc, etc….and I certainly see many who are addicted to all types of substances. I mean, we’re even addicted to our jobs at times!
….but then, sometimes one of those special leaders comes through, who shares their wisdom – and inspires others to release those addictions, and move on in life. I wonder what makes them different. The ones that inspire that PHYSICAL change and choice. That’s powerful.
Yes you are so right (I wrote about this recently check my profile link on this comment). Whilst I sympathize with celebrities when they are being hounded by the media, they should never turn their back on their fans.
Hey – have you seen this TED talk by Derek Sivers about followers? – only 3 minutes long:
http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html
Chris Stott recently posted..How Speed Influences Your Digital Creation
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
It takes real character and a strong personality to put up with the media, being famous AND staying true to self and being a leader. It’s why I have somewhat of a reserved policy for criticizing someone like the President. The weight on their shoulder is tremendous.
I’ll check out that TED talk. Appreciate you sharing it!
I don’t think I’m a born leader, but I do think that a great follower is someone who is loyal and as you said trusting of their leader.
I do believe that we put too much emphasis on leaders and being a leader. We have to learn to be good followers before we can be great leaders!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 11:09 am
You got it! Become that great follower before you become a leader. Love the thoughts Tisa. And even if you don’t see yourself as a leader, others do, and we all have our “perfect” place we’ll find in this life it seems.
And that’s the journey. Finding the place!
Twitter: hajraks
August 24, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Hey Christain,
On target! We place too much emphasis on leaders and forget that a leader is made up of his followers, the followers make him and can also break him. That’t the harsh truth.
The follower is just brimming with ideas and plans to put them into action. It take courage to be a follower and to be a successful one takes a lot more!
Hajra recently posted..Vampires and Being Yourself
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Love how you identify followers as being ones with great ideas too. So true and forgotten many, many times!
And your harsh truth is correct. It’s the followers that make or break the leader in most cases. We each vote with our follows!
Hey Christian,
Imediately after you mentioned the mother duck and her ducklings I had the visual clear as day. It’s true, followers have complete trust in their “leader” if they didn’t they wouldn’t be following.
I guess you can’t have one without the other in a sense huh?
Chelsea Thomas recently posted..At What Point Does Your Social Media Run Itself?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 4:06 pm
No, you really can’t. Ever seen a little tribe of ducklings without their mother? It just doesn’t seem to work well. They’re scared, and don’t know where they’re supposed to go.
Sometimes I’m a leader, and sometimes I’m a follower… But at all times, I try to keep in mind how important they both are to the world. One could not exist without the other, and I think more leaders should keep that in mind! Thanks for the reminder, I’ll definitely pass it along
Laurie
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 2:32 am
I think it’s great you’re both Laurie. I think if one is to balance both in their life – they can easily become powerful in both.
Leader without they followers – is not a leader, they just a person with some vision/concept. They need followers like they need air.
Smart followers are people who actually cares and that’s something very important.
Klaudia recently posted..New Type of TV Commercials
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 10:05 am
I wonder what makes someone care? What makes a leader care? What makes a follower care? I guess it would come down to situations in life, etc…but that’s an interesting topic in itself!
Would it be inappropriate to say, “Can I get an AMEN??”
This here should touch deep within us.. Your message speaks to my soul because I find it so sad when supposed thought “leaders” and successful people forget who got them there.
Now, I understand some subscribe more to the tribe model versus building communities and engaging.. BUT I feel that not thanking at least your core audience – your most avid fans, brand loyalists, friendly supporters – is such a missed opportunity.
One of the greatest followers I know is Klaudia Jurewicz of the Groovy Pink Blog. Her blog is almost 99% built around the messages of others. There, you’ll find a plethora of inspiring quotes, insightful messages, and positive energy.
Klaudia will be the first to tell you that she helps just for the sake of helping. She even said just a few days ago that there is a need for followers and leaders.. And there’s no shame in being a follower.
She’s a truly selfless, empathetic individual. I truly appreciate her and others like her. Sometimes we leaders could stand to do better in remembering that we are followers too, no? =o)
yogizilla recently posted..Support-A-Thon: Submit Your Links For Free and Support Other Geeks
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Love that you bring up Klaudia. I love going to her blog, reading an inspirational thought – pondering, and having a little “bright” spot to my day. She has that special way of supporting, thanking and showing her love for a lot of people. I appreciate and respect that.
Leader? (looks behind me)
No one there! (sigh)
(looks ahead and sees bright brilliant people)
Hooray!
Laurinda Shaver recently posted..My assumptions questioned. Daily.
Twitter: janetcallaway
August 25, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Brilliant, Laurinda; I love it! You light up my life with your comments.
Laurinda Shaver recently posted..My assumptions questioned. Daily.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Love it when the #rockstar girls of social media are having some fun.
Twitter: janetcallaway
August 25, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Christian, aloha. Great post topic and you are so right on the importance of followers. There is a huge difference between those people who are following blindly and those informed decision, knowing that the leader can get them where they want to go.
Christian, other than leading yourself, I doubt that anyone is a leader all the time.
Speaking for myself, in some situations I am the leaders in others I am the follower. It strikes me as pretty foolish to only listen to myself when others know more and can show me a better way. In time, where I was a follower in a particular topic, I may become a leader. You are not forever destined to be one or the other.
Thanks so much, Christian, for another thought provoking post. Until later, aloha. Janet
Janet recently posted..5 Tips for Effective Networking by The Natural Networker
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Oh so true, Janet. There are just too many topics, hobbies and things we do each day out there to be an expert or leader in all of them. I’m CERTAINLY a follower in so many ways – and in so many topics. And I think that’s wonderful.
In fact, I don’t always want to listen to myself either. It would just get lonely!
I find myself to be a bit of all trades I refuse to stick my work into one niche so I battle with the over load of being every where…. thx for sharing I am a Loyal friend, fan, follower..
Norman Flecha
STRAIGHTALK recently posted..I am a caterpillar
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 26, 2011 at 1:28 am
It sure is a difficulty. After a few years of being online, I have a handful of communities to manage and be a part of – and that can get rather tricky sometimes.
And thank you for leaving your thoughts Norman. Appreciate you reading the blog. Thank you.