Lead or Follow?

"Lead someone to the truth and you will find that they can follow." - Epictetus

Lead or follow? It's actually not an either/or choice. We can do one or the other in various roles and circumstances or we can do both simultaneously. The essential thing is to do so with a clear motivation, intention, and aspiration.

Whether you are leading, following (or both), here are some considerations:

• Motivation - Why are you leading and/or following? Is your impulse generous or selfish? Honest or deceptive?
• Intention - Where are you going? Does it align with your values and talents? Are you connecting with people who share your values and need your talents?
• Aspiration - What is the fundamental need, dream, or desire this journey serves? Is everyone elevated and enhanced by this pursuit?

Leaders need followers and followers need leaders. Leadership isn't based on authority and followership isn't based on subordination. Both are active roles based on trust, shared ideas, and mutual interests.

Leaders and followers who engage on purpose create change that's worth the effort and worth paying attention to.

Where are you leading? Why are you following? When are you doing both? Is the journey serving everyone? Is the destination worth it?

Let's endeavor better together. It's time to be creative on purpose.

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose

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