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Oftentimes change is more dependent on the first follower than the initiator – Confident humility can make the biggest difference Leading by Following

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Why take this challenge?

Work with others to support your values and make a difference

Develop your understanding of followership and think through strategies for it

Be sufficiently different to matter

Graphic image reflecting different pathways to take the adventure

In January 2001 The Harvard Business Review published an article by Jim Collins subtitled: The power of humility and fierce resolve. It is a groundbreaking paper that turned our view of what sort of person makes a brilliant CEO on its head.

In a nutshell, Jim Collins’ extensive research on the subject revealed that those who make the biggest, and most sustained, difference are those who support others to make things happen.

Derek Siver’s video ‘how to create a movement’ is a wonderful illustration of the ‘leading by following’ effect. The second person in the video makes the biggest difference, but its the first person that people will remember.

And that is humility. The willingness to do things that other people will get the glory for. To fall into someone else’s pattern but take the risks that increase its chances of success. And the resolve to keep doing it.

I wonder how many voices in the head of the second young man screamed at him ‘its not working’ and ‘give up before you look even more stupid’ and ‘its not even your idea’. And how much these voices sapped energy from his limbs and disrupted his flow? That is the potential sacrifice of leading by following.

Which brings us back again to values.

Are your values important enough to you to simply find and support others who are making them real?

+ Green track - taking it in your stride

Pause for thought

The green track this week is simply about examining your own motivations in pursuing the values we explored in the last two adventures. If you have not done so already, watch Derek Siver’s video.

It is often the case that we can have a bigger impact supporting something that someone else has started than in creating our own version of it. But most of us (me included) are more prone to do attempt our own thing.

How does that work out for us? And why do we do it?

That’s it really. Just spend 5 minutes in serious self-honesty working through these two questions. The idea of leading by following may have a number of psychological obstacles for us, and it is good to take a look at these from the outset.

+ Blue track - a bit of a workout (click to open)

Try out leading by following for yourself

Think about anyone around you who is trying to do something different in some way and not getting any traction. This may be because they are not doing it very well. But that doesn’t matter. It is their heart that matters in this.

Think about stepping in and supporting them by joining in with them. But humbly. Not taking over. Not correcting them or improving on what they are doing.

Does this create anxiety for you? If it does, that is good, it probably means it is different for you. Something new. An opportunity to grow.

And are you willing to step into that anxiety? To make a difference? And to stretch yourself?

If you are, try out leading by following in those situations, and see where it takes you.

+ Red track - stepping up to bat (click to open)

Systematic supportiveness

Make a list of those you are aware of that are trying, single handedly, to make a difference. Then highlight where those differences are in line with your values.

Make a choice to move alongside one or two of those people. Practice leading by following and show your support by taking some of the load from them. Be careful not to risk usurping them, or risking them thinking you are taking the mickey.

Choose carefully who you will support, since you are making yourself, and your identity vulnerable by this sacrifice. The fact is, people do not readily understand sacrifice and will likely interpret your own motives from their own prejudices.

But allowing that to happen, unfair as it may be, is in fact part of the sacrifice.

You may find the following resources helpful in tackling your challenge or in gaining further benefits from the skills and insights you develop

The power of humility and fierce resolve.
Derek Siver’s video on leading by following: ‘how to create a movement’
Co-Active Leadership – The five styles
(In Part) 1988 Harvard Business Review Article: In Praise of Followers

To catch up on past adventures you may have missed, feel free to browse our Adventures Library

Let us know how you get on.
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Useful links:

Introduction to Leading by Adventure  |  What we mean by spirituality?  |  Why Adventure
Adventures to date   |  I did it, but it didn’t work very well   |  How do I know if it is working
Bringing this thinking into your meetings   |  Adventure & Mental Health
Leading by Adventure community   |  Explore Strategic Support options