Why do we follow our leaders?
Thinking about why we follow our leaders, I arrived at the following schema.
People usually quit their jobs because of bad leaders, not because of a bad company. I’ll analyze why we quit in another post — but for now, let’s discuss why we follow.
The primary reasons I landed on are fear and benefit — two basic instincts. Either you’re submitting to control, or you expect to gain something from that leader.
When fear is the driver
I don’t want to be fired. I need this job and can’t afford to lose it. My finances depend on it, and I’m not sure I could find a new job in a reasonably short time.
This is sometimes true, but it should never be the primary reason for accepting and following a leader. If it is, start building a stronger position in the market: find what’s preventing you from finding a new job, and fix it. Take your time — but treat this period as one you’re actively improving out of, with a clear end date.
I deserve this, because I’m not good enough. Companies hire people to get value from them — at least, that’s how it should work — and if you were hired, the company needs what you bring. That said, your professional growth should never stall indefinitely. If your leader makes you feel like you’re kept around out of charity, it’s time to rethink your motivations and your future.
When benefit is the driver
Improvement. Working alongside a leader you respect and admire helps you grow professionally, and lends you the credibility of being part of a team that reaches extraordinary goals. Being close to people you admire changes who you become — traditionally, apprentices fought to stay near a master, to learn, improve, and eventually become masters themselves. That’s the right reason to follow a leader. These leaders can and should become mentors to you, just as you should become one for others down the line.
Protection. When you lack experience, you need someone who can shield you from the things you don’t yet know how to navigate — politics, confrontation, everything not strictly work-related. That’s a valid reason to stay close to a leader, though it shouldn’t last forever. Use that time to build the skills you’re missing, and move toward the improvement motivation as soon as you can.
Think about which of these is really driving you. Your future depends on it.
