A leader is someone that has a set of cross-skills and knowledge over the areas for which he’s responsible for. But should leaders know how to follow?
I believe so. A good leader must understand who he communicates with and consequently understand that from the other side there is someone that will perceive his message differently. Leaders are usually within a structure that force them to be a follow as well.
The triangle of leadership
I see a leader as someone controlling the elements of a triangle made of Leadership, Followship and Execution. Communication is a central element gluing the three together.
Early-stage startups
Startup’s early founders sometime face blurred leadership contexts because they work on less-structured and rigid contexts, where everybody is basically equally important. A leader that doesn’t want to follow either forces the others to his vision (w/ mostly obvious consequences) or just doesn’t fit in that context.
Hiring
Being a leader and a follower is a critical feature that I would look for when recruiting. A “leader” that can’t follow will never be a good leader. A follower that understands relationships and communication will be a good leader, even if requiring some time to be one.
I believe that I experienced trying to get both to work with me.. Time will tell but I believe that choices made to “cut the legs short” on The bad leader will pay it dividends.
…but, could a leader avoid having to follow?
Could a leader get around him people that need a leader so he doesn’t have to follow? Maybe. Steve Jobs may be an example of it. The exception, not the rule.
