I like to remember this little message posted in a kid’s playhouse: “Nobody acts big, nobody acts small, everybody acts medium.”

Unless one is a total recluse, everyone gets a chance to lead every now and then.

Haha I saw a bumper sticker version that said, “You either lead, follow or get out of the way.” Yeah it oversimplifies life as though its either black or white but I believe these sayings are more meant to sound cool than be realistic.

Apart from everyone being occasional leaders by design or accident, I think people generally choose to be one or the other. I still can’t forget someone I knew who was absolutely terrified of responsibilities (more like she can’t deal with the possibility of failure.) She wouldn’t want to lead if she had a choice and she’s quite happy being led.

those 3 are enough for these leaders to become a long term control freak. and these leaders will suffer if their biz screws up and they need to ask for a job outside.

Haha, yeah few things are more pathetic than a control freak looking for a job.

Conclusion, as a leader, you can be a follower too….and once u’ve given others a chance to lead, u better make sure u become a good follower. Else, nothing will work out.

Agree. Some leaders who rise up solely through seniority (often meaning too incompetent to lead) will be happy to let their underlings take charge, usually under the pretext of “proving yourself capable.” On the opposite, I’ve yet to meet an aggressive leader who isn’t a control freak. Their way is simple, “Do as you’re told, don’t argue with me.”

and now i just do the opposite of what he did to me . I hope my workers think that i am a nice boss

That’s usually how it works. Just imagine, without your shitty ex-boss to motivate you to leave you might not be where you are today.

I know a naturally bossy guy who’s a miserable follower, always arguing with his supervisor at work. His solution? To quit and be his own boss. I don’t know if he’s good leader (his staff seem afraid of him) but he gets the job done. So I guess it depends on what you mean by a “good” leader.

Yes, we may be department heads but we still have to follow the dictates of the big boss and the client. What I meant was would you be happier leading or following. I notice everyone dreams of being top dog – even the guy with the phobia of responsibility – but not everyone appreciates what it takes to get there.