How to play follow the leader
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The pandemic has brought the performance of government leaders around the world into sharp focus. But there is another, even more important factor in determining our success or failure.
The official death toll keeps growing. So does the economic fallout. I’s easy to see why presidents, reserve bank governors and scientists are feeling the heat.
But a while ago I wrote about how although leadership can be seen as traits like extroversion and confidence, it can also be seen as a process. Today we take that idea one step further.
People who think law makers can magically switch the economy on or off through policy are mistaken. Just look at the large drop in restaurant visits before the official lockdown. American states that have allowed restaurants to reopen have seen the same in reverse: Attendance is terrible compared to pre-corona.
Individuals have agency. This is why defining leadership as a process is so powerful. It opens the door to talk about something called followership: A process whereby individuals accept the influence of others to accomplish a common goal.
When you wear a mask, or wash your hands, that’s followership. Culture tends to focus on leading rather than following. But followers are often more important.
So ponder this. If leadership is actually a shared process, how does that affect your work relationships?
But a while ago I wrote about how although leadership can be seen as traits like extroversion and confidence, it can also be seen as a process. Today we take that idea one step further.
People who think law makers can magically switch the economy on or off through policy are mistaken. Just look at the large drop in restaurant visits before the official lockdown. American states that have allowed restaurants to reopen have seen the same in reverse: Attendance is terrible compared to pre-corona.
Individuals have agency. This is why defining leadership as a process is so powerful. It opens the door to talk about something called followership: A process whereby individuals accept the influence of others to accomplish a common goal.
When you wear a mask, or wash your hands, that’s followership. Culture tends to focus on leading rather than following. But followers are often more important.
So ponder this. If leadership is actually a shared process, how does that affect your work relationships?