Leaders, Followers, and Dancers: A Metaphor
There are leaders, and there are followers. But is it really that cut and dry?
I believe that leadership is more than just a title. And Monday night’s salsa class shined a light on this point for me.
As we were learning a new “move”, a turn or spin was involved. I kept missing the turn and was spinning the wrong direction. It was frustrating. And the “leaders” kept trying to correct me by saying “You’re doing it wrong!”
Until I came to the leader who made it feel effortless! ½ way through class, I had a string of leaders who just made it feel so easy. And then I was receiving comments like “you’re good at this!”
Leadership Titles
I realized that, just because you have the title of leader, are you in fact a leader.
A good leader will create an experience that feels effortless and easy, and even fun, for the followers. And it is not forced: a little pressure on the back and a little lead from the front, and a sense of control and confidence, goes a long way. In fact, when the leader is pushing or pulling, it is no longer easy.
Leadership Types
In my experience, I have worked with leaders who sit and wait for the team to do their jobs…. But everyone struggles because they are either unsure of what to do or not motivated. And I’ve worked with leaders who are bossy and arrogant and have way more confidence than they deserve.
None of these experiences are fun. And all are short-lived.
So I ask:
How are you leading?
What needs to shift so you can lead with gentleness and ease?