Thursday, December 9, 2010

Leading by Following

Great leaders are also committed followers. 


They follow performance (their own and that of others), markets, customers, employees, ideas, inventions, innovations, trends, forecasts, pundits, and more... In doing so, they become sensitive and skilled at spotting inconsistencies, disconnects, shortcomings, challenges, and opportunities. 


In short, they become experts in defining reality - realities that others miss. 


As followers themselves, they understand the needs, motivations, fears, and aspirations of others. Great leaders are always great followers - not necessarily of other people, but of that which is happening around them. 


They are connected. They are tuned in and turned on. 


They are fueled by external realities juxtaposed with internal purpose and passion. 


Within the leader, creative tension resides in the space that exists between their leading and their following. Like black and white, yin and yang, good and evil, following and leading  breeds thoughtfulness and creativity. Leaders occupy and exploit the "in-between".


All the Best!


Bob


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Performance Builders

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