Foundations of Leadership and Follower Development

Notes

Chapter 2: Being a Responsible Leader and Follower -Critically Examining Ourselves "Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple, and it is also that difficult." -Warren Bennis Leading and following requires both personal and professional development. We have allhad that boss, coach or teacher that has not done their own personal work, with the impact manifesting in many ways. I have heard countless stories from students, clients and colleagues of leaders who are unclear about their vision or goals, are condescending, don't listen, and/or allow a dysfunctional and sometimes toxic work culture. There are also stories of bad leaders who are probably good people, but they have poor boundaries, over share and require ca retaking. These are quite opposite ends of the spectrum with many varying examples in between. However, they all speak to one shared attribute: the lack ofpersonal and professional development. I truly believe that that earlier development, when we are primarily considered followers, eventually contributes to better leaders and leadership. I did not consider myself a leader until my mid-30's, but I did consider myself a great follo...