There are so many loud bodies that make up a school. You can’t have 1,124,692 leaders in the same place, at the same time. Naturally, there needs to be some followers. And followers make up the vast majority of a movement. But how much credit should the leader actually get for a movement?
Generationally, we have seen cultural shifts in public influence and trust over time. Today, we are in the age of individuals - where “influencer” and “creator” are popular culture terms shaping the dynamics of how we see and interact with each other. You will recognize the people’s names headlining brands and movements. You will notice creators that amass thousands, tens of thousands followers/ subscribers often say, “I love my fans” or “Thank you to all my followers.” Those statements point to something not given the importance it deserves: followers.
Specifically, the first follower is equally as important than just the leader.
“The first follower transforms a lone nut into a leader”
Give the video above a watch or read more below for a summary.
The dynamics of leadership and the creation of a movement (the ideal for any leader) can be summarized and characterized as follow:
Leadership Initiation: The leader starts alone, performing simple, easily replicable actions. The simplicity and clarity of the leader's actions are crucial as they must be easy for others to follow.
Role of the First Follower: The first follower plays a critical role by publicly showing how to follow the leader. This act of following is brave, as it involves standing out and potentially facing ridicule. The first follower is a form of leader, transforming the initial person from a 'lone nut' into a recognized leader. This transformation is significant because the first follower is the spark that turns the leader's solitary actions into a potential movement.
Formation of a Crowd: The arrival of the second follower is a turning point, validating the efforts of the first follower. With three people, the activity becomes noticeable as a group effort rather than the actions of just one or two individuals. This 'crowd' stage is where it starts to gain attention and becomes newsworthy.
Public Visibility and Momentum: The movement must be visible to the public. It's essential that new followers see the existing followers, as they are more likely to emulate them rather than the original leader. As more people join, the movement gains momentum and reaches a tipping point, making it easier and less risky for others to participate.
Joining the In-Crowd: As the movement grows, it becomes safer and more appealing for others to join. Those who were initially hesitant are now more likely to participate, as not joining becomes the action that could lead to ridicule.
Lessons on Leadership and Movement Building: The key takeaway is that while leadership is often glorified, the role of followers, especially the first follower, is equally critical in creating a movement. The first follower transforms a singular effort into a collective movement. The lesson emphasizes that effective movements are not just about leading but also about the willingness to follow and demonstrate how to follow.
Leaders are important but also recognize the role that followers can have. A movement is not started with the leader. As you think more personally on leadership which has its things to celebrate. Do not dismiss the power of following nor forget to show the appreciation this role has in generating change.
Courageously follow and show others how to follow.