Nick Poole

So many blogs, books and seminars talk about “How to be a Great Leader” and rightfully so. If we are going to see people come to Christ, we must be leading them, but what we as leaders often miss is in order to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. That’s what Christ said in Mark 9:35, “…”If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” With all that is written about being a leader, this week I’m going to post a few thoughts on “Followership” (the counter to leadership!).

Following takes a passive approach. Not passive in your morals or principles, but rather in your approach. We all accomplish things in a different way, and as a follower, your goal is not necessarily to accomplish your tasks in the way you want them accomplished, but to accomplish them how your leader wants them. For example, if you are planning a big banquet and your pastor/leader thinks red table cloths would go great with the orange carpet, you might be outraged. But as a follower you can put in your two cents, give your opinion, but ultimately your goal is to pull off this banquet as your leader desires.

So often, followers can get too worked up in the details and miss the big picture. Although it might be the worst color combination ever, what’s more important is are you following your leader? Are you being obedient with a right attitude? Now I understand there are situations where you are working with a leader that you can’t follow. You can read more about that here, here and here, but what I’m talking about is as a follower, see the big picture. See what your leader is trying to accomplish and do everything you can to make it a reality!