It's a pretty simple, great video lesson on leadership from Derek Sivers. If you haven't already, take three minutes and watch it:
"...Being a first follower is an under-appreciated form of leadership. The first follower transforms a lone nut into a leader. If the leader is the flint, the first follower is the spark that makes the fire..." [full transcript]
So why is the first follower leadership lesson important for communication professionals? We have dual roles for movements within an organization: Communicators should serve as (one of the) first followers or promoters of the first follower(s) for senior management. From an internal communication perspective, the communication and public relations team should be on the front-line to help propel a movement for employees. We should look for and share the bright spots in programs and initiatives to fan the flames of positive progress so others can see the how and the why and importance of things.
Sivers sums it up nicely:
"It was the first follower that transformed a lone nut into a leader. There is no movement without the first follower."Are you a first follower?
