SwCA Episode 135: “Lead. Follow. Or, get out of the way.”

SITE: http://www.courtneyanderson.com/swca-episode-135-joyful-art-of-business-series-lead-follow-or-get-out-of-the-way.html

SHOW NOTES: Our topic is, “Lead. Follow. Or, get out of the way.”

Who originated this quote? Thomas Paine? US General George S. Patton?

What does the quote mean? That we must take responsibility for those instances when we are driven to lead with our vision. We must invest the time and resources to define, refine and communicate our vision to others. We have to ensure that we are treating ourselves and others with kindness and respect.

We should be leaders, followers and those who get out of the way at different times in our lives. When we are followers, we must take responsibility and refuse all offers for us to lead. We are in this role to balance our lives and must insist that others understand and accept that. When the role of follower is excessive (in terms of time or other resources), we must take responsibility for our decision to get out of the way. We should not feel obligated to everything. It is healthy to “get out of the way” when we decide that an endeavor is not for us. 

CAUTION: If you think that you are “the leader” in everything in your life (work, family, hobbies, etc.), you are not. You are a micro-managing person (aka control freak). You are not driven by visionary leadership but instead are making poor choices out of a loss of control and/ or fear of failure. 

If you think that you are a follower in everything in life (work, family, hobbies, etc.) you are not. You are driven by self-doubt and insecurity and are hiding your visionary leadership goals from yourself and everyone else. 

Let’s explore how we lead, follow and get out of the way in a joyful and balanced life!