One phrase can trigger so much once you choose to focus on it.
The phrase tugging at me recently has been one that can usually hit us somewhat negatively: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”
At first, the phrase does not give us that warm Kākou feeling. Not at all.
Kākou is the value of togetherness and inclusiveness; it is “the language of we.” So, we could say that “lead, follow or get out of the way” speaks to us as a Kākou-driven protagonist would, if we consider it a mantra-type reminder asking this important and valid question;
“Are you with the rest of us or not?”
A good manager would not feel that’s a rhetorical question.
A great manager would be fully aware it can be voiced, or can be an attitude and feeling.
The next question would then be, “If not, what is the obstacle still standing in your way?” and “How can I help you deal with it?”
Duplet by Pulpolux !!! on Flickr
Let’s think about following.
The type of following most leaders hope for is very passionate and emotional; it is devout.
It is smooth and fluid, and seemingly natural.
However it is clear and purposeful too. It is not fractioned, muddled or confused, for that leads to misdirected efforts, or worse, a mutiny (just ask Captain William Bligh).
I do not believe that following is passive. Following someone’s lead calls for an intentional decision, and more often than not, a commitment to action.
It also calls for specific focus and how-to clarification; what exactly are you following along with? What are you expected to say and do as a good follower? What part do you play in the efforts requested? How would you support a leader, and conversely, how would you detract from their cause? When are you expected to act alone (and in alignment to the cause) and when are you expected to cooperate and collaborate in the spirit of Lōkahi, so harmony and unity is achieved (also in alignment to the cause.)
Those decisions, borne of best clarity, and best-possible followership, actually calls for a self-reckoning before any following can happen. Would you say that the decision-making of self-determination and commitment to definitive action are part of self-leadership?
I would.
Leaders may seem to be individual champions, but at some point, they are looking to champion teamwork and entire movements. Yet they fully realize (at least the smart ones do) that they cannot personally manage the masses they are hoping to marshal together and mobilize: They need the self-led believers among the troops. They need those with the personal value-drivers of Alaka‘i [leadership], Kākou [inclusiveness], and Lōkahi [unity].
When you think about this, those who make the best followers have very distinctive value drivers, don’t they.
I named three of them. Can you think of others? What values do you feel will drive the best possible followers for your cause?
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Postscript
If this posting appealed to you, here is another which may prove more food for thought:
Decision Making: How do you do it?
Are you aware of the process you go through when you make your most important decisions, the ones which leave you with absolutely no regrets, no looking back?
Article originally published on Say “Alaka‘i” August 2009
Following is NOT a Passive Activity
[Why are Say “Alaka‘i” postings duplicated on Talking Story?]
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