SCRIPTURE: “Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. (2 Timothy 4:11, NASB)
QUOTE: “If I had to reduce the responsibilities of a good follower to a single rule, it would be to speak truth to power.” — Warren Bennis
NOTE:
Without followers, what is the purpose of a leader? A leader cannot accomplish his or her goals alone. Followers depend on leaders and leaders depend on followers. How well followers follow is just as important as how well leaders lead. The relationship is closely intertwined, two-way and mutually beneficial. While it’s true that followers have less formal power, authority and influence than leaders, they play a pivotal role in whether the mission, project or objective succeeds. Leaders shape followers and followers shape leadership outcomes.
ILLUSTRATION:
The great philosopher Aristotle once said, “He who cannot be a good follower, cannot be a good leader.” Would there be leaders without followers, and would these leaders be “leaders” if they had not initially been followers? Both positions are equally important, require responsibility, and interact with each other: the leader must help his followers grow, whereas the followers must contribute to the success of their leader.
REFLECTION:
What is your philosophy on leadership support?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Isaiah 34 – 35, Proverbs 15: 30 – 33