Why is being a "follower" seen as such a bad thing? Because EVERYONE can't be a leader, right?

Question

"Be a leader, don't be a follower"

Everyone (especially those involved in sports team) has heard this before.

If everyone is a "leader"...then who will "follow" the leader? There would be a lot of clashing and argumentative altercations.

So, if you think about it, "followers" are valuable.

What is so bad about executing orders and tasks as told to the best of your ability? The "follower" will do their work w/o clashing, the "leader" will argue and resist being told what to do.

People tend to under-value the "follower" and over-value the "leader".

Both are necessary for society to properly function.

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Share your thoughts, being as detailed as you choose. Use examples if you are moved to do so.

Thanks for answering. 8-)

selfishstars · Accepted Answer

Being a follower isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's being a "blind" follower is.

The saying, "Be a leader, don't be a follower' is often directed at young people, where I think the intent is to encourage people to think for themselves. Don't do something just because "everyone else is doing it". Don't go along with something/follow people when you feel/know they're doing something wrong. Be willing to stand up for what's right, even if it goes against the group.

You shouldn't follow someone just because they're trying to "lead" you, or be a "passive" follower. You need to think critically, "Is this the type of person I should get behind?" "Is what this person wants me to do "right"? etc.

I agree that "People tend to under-value the "follower" and over-value the "leader". We value characteristics like assertiveness, confidence, being a "go-getter", being persuasive, and other qualities described as "leadership skills". And while I do see these as positive characteristics, the world also needs "followers", and it's also important to note that being a follower doesn't necessarily mean that you lack these things.

I think optimally, a person should be both a good leader and a good follower. You should be able to adapt. If the situation calls for it, you should be able to step-up and lead; if the situation calls for it, you should be able to step-back and follow. A good follower doesn't just follow mindlessly without questioning their leader; and a good leader doesn't think "I'm in charge, everyone has to do what I say without question"---they're willing to accept input from others.

"The "follower" will do their work w/o clashing, the "leader" will argue and resist being told what to do." - I actually see this as a bad thing, for the reasons I mentioned above. A "follower" who doesn't object if the leader is making a poor decision, or if they leader wants them to do something immoral, is a bad follower. A "leader" who resists good input from others is bad "leader". Sure, constant clashing/arguing is going to negatively affect group cohesion and may prevent the group from going ahead with their task/meeting their goals; however, some degree of disagreement and discussion isn't a bad thing.

Simple-Simonette · Accepted Answer

I prefer to use the term "supporter", lol.

I have poor leadership skills in work. My career wasn't important enough to take on the headaches and egos and constant chaos that comes with responsibility. My people skills would be considered less than sophisticated, so I could not express myself honestly without hurting feelings. I tend to micro-manage because I'm a control freak - and if you pissed me off, diplomacy flew out the window.

I can't tell if my expectations are too high or if I am just naive, but my stint in managing was a disaster. I'd make a great dictator but a terrible boss.

I work well under supervision though. I can take orders, I can offer suggestions, I can support the team and my goals are whatever my supervisor's goals are. I respect the vision of my superiors (even if they were destined to fail). Less stress - not my ass on the line - I do what I'm told and I do it well.

Socially and personally things are different. I am the dictator in my house hold. I can plan and implement social gatherings and events. I was a Girl Scout leader for 4 years and my troop thrived. I guess I felt more comfortable in a less intense setting.

So, I guess it depends on the situation, whether I could lead or not. Having to choose between the two, I prefer to support than lead. My feelings of accomplishment is deeper, because a good leader appreciates their team, and I liked the way that felt than getting blamed for every f*ck up.

RubyRedRox · Accepted Answer

No I don't think it's weak, I call it respect for authority. If you don't have that much experience in something step back and let someone who knows show you how it's done. Besides where would society be without followers? It would be like anarchy, it would be as if someone caged a bunch of alphas together, nothing would get done and there would be a lot of fighting.

That being said be your own leader (cause you do have to lead and be yourself) but when it comes to your profession or school and you don't know what you're doing don't be a butt head and clash with authority, just follow, they know what they're doing.

drummerdude25 · Accepted Answer

The way I see it (and I don't think many people look at it this way)... being a "follower" actually seems to get you further, especially in your young life. Followers do things that society labels as normal for their age group.

Many high-school/college-aged aged kids drink underage, smoke, experiment with drugs, go to parties, etc. because it's the "cool" thing to do at that age. They dress and/or act, even talk a certain way because it's supposed to be cool... Just about every kid is like this to a certain point, just depends on how much of a "follower" they are. It isn't even uncommon to find kids that pretty much do it all tho, and in my experience they actually fare better socially than any "leader!"

I consider a "leader" as anyone that stands for their beliefs and what they feel is right, always... even if it means doing the unpopular thing. These people seem to end up as social-outcasts to some degree. Admittedly, I am one of these people... I've always stood my ground when my morals/beliefs are challenged, and I haven't fared as well socially, not because I'm unable to socialize well with others, or because I'm socially awkward. Followers just don't seem to want to hang out with people that aren't followers themselves, for whatever reason...

TheDigitalSaint · Accepted Answer

To be a good leader, you have to know how to follow and lead by example. Good leaders inspire their followers to do the right thing without pressuring them to do so. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with being a follower, as long as the person or cause you're following is morally sound.

I do disagree about over-valuing the leader. That's not true. Unless you've actually been a leader, you have no idea how hard it is to get people to follow you. There's a reason why most people are followers and few are leaders. The leaders job, if done properly, is vastly harder than that of the follower.

KERMlT · Answer

I'm more like the rogue. I don't like to follow and I don't care to lead all the time. I do what I want to do which might conflict with others. They say I'm not a team player and that's sort of true. Though when my goals line up with the teams goals then it appears that I'm on board.

Some people are prone to joining groups or cults but I don't have the mob mentality. As the saying goes "beaten paths are for beaten men" so we must blaze our own trails. Think outside the box, try something new, explore the world.

That's why I would fail at politics since neither side would support my radical thinking. link

Anonymous · Answer

Followers are only considered a bad thing when the leader is bad. One case that is infamous was when Hitler came to power. His followers were loyal and managed to cause the death of millions. This is where we want followers to become leaders and take charge to change the way things are. Otherwise followers are pretty much needed or else there would be way too much rivalry.

LoveAriel21 · Answer

I guess because nobody wants to feel like they are always "walked all over" or "easy to take advantage of." Being a follower sometimes (depending on the type of person) makes people think your weak, but usually I think those people just don't care what is going on. It sucks how people are too judgmental :/

Filif · Answer

I personally have an intense hatred for the leader, and the follower due to a hatred of that kind of system.  Being a "leader" only creates an egocentric ass.  Being a "follower" only creates a submissive individual who lacks confidence.  I always make sure to make sure that whenever I have to do something with a group, that it ends up being a Egalitarian type of group.  It turns out so much better that way then someone trying to control everyone.

CO4879 · Answer

I think this phrase started because of a couple of hundred years ago when the master would ride the horse and the servant would walk behind with a shovel to pick up the poop.

There is nothing wrong with being a follower except when you start getting walked over. Sometimes it's best to think for your own needs and wishes. You will never reach your own dreams if you keep following someone else's.

shumailkazimi · Answer

every1 has different abilities ...if so and so person is good in something and other person is not then that other person  follow that person only for that particular trait...n if that person who is following him is good in something and some other person is not  then he will be in turn followed by that person or some1 else ...this is what people shld understand

arashmenalagha · Answer

it looks like 99% of girls are followers and always will be that's really good for companies that my uncles and grandparents run.

They join them like crazy because there is no jobs, and they're underpaid workers lol.

CeepSmiling · Answer

No one should be only a follower. Maybe you are a leader in a sport but a follower in class. That's okay. But don't be a wall flower. Step in and take control once in a while. It's so important.

MiaSatt85 · Answer

I like to be the leader but I think being a follower is also important because it shows you are open to others ideas, views etc.

BennyB · Answer

Everyone can be a leader, but not everyone WILL be a leader.

Aizou · Answer

there are leader types who choose to be followers ^-^

aninaej · Answer

It's because society thinks followers are weak :| Yes, I prefer to be a follower

Agent_Mouse · Answer

My question would be, why does there have to always be such things as leaders and followers? Sure there are situations where there's no other possibility. But it doesn't always have to be.

dwiller943 · Answer

Because a leader can think right from wrong all on their own while a follower has to rely on someone else to make choices for them.

Surferfer · Answer

in other words live your own life not someone elses. Make your own decisions don't be bossed around. I think you took the saying too literal.

Anonymous · Answer

i let people think they are leading, it makes them feel important.

if its something I don't care about I don't mind some one taking charge. however, if its something I find important, I will lead no questions about it,

WishICouldChangePast · Answer

this is where I hate how I have no choice but to be a leader if I'm going to be successful with women, which I consider a chore

Anonymous · Answer

i hate how we guys are expected to be leaders in relationships, dating, etc.

Anonymous · Answer

and unfortunately us guys are not allowed to be followers well if we are then we are unworthy

Why is being a "follower" seen as such a bad thing? Because EVERYONE can't be a leader, right?

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