A Diplomatic Reflection

Daily writing prompt

Are you a leader or a follower?

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Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood. Today’s writing prompt nudged me into a whirlpool of introspection and perspective: “Are you a leader or a follower?

At first glance, the question feels black and white, almost like a personality test. But as we peer deeper, we discover it’s not as simple as it sounds—it’s layered with diplomacy, life experience, and personal evolution.

Let me begin by saying this: we all have moments when we lead, and moments when we follow. The human experience is too dynamic to confine us to one role.

Understanding the Two Roles

A leader is often seen as someone who sets a vision, inspires others, and makes decisions with confidence.

They carve paths where none exist. On the other hand, a follower is perceived as someone who supports the vision, contributes reliably, and learns from those ahead.

Society tends to glorify leadership, often associating it with power, charisma, and success. However, this binary thinking overlooks the truth: the world functions because both roles exist.

The symphony of life needs both the conductor and the musicians.

Leadership Isn’t Always Loud

Being a leader doesn’t always mean standing on a podium or commanding a team. Sometimes, it means taking responsibility for your actions, making choices that are right even when they are difficult, and being a source of stability during chaos.

A mother leading her child by example, an artist leading a cultural shift through his work, a retiree leading a peaceful life in pursuit of self-discovery—all these are subtle yet powerful forms of leadership.

Following with Grace and Wisdom

Being a follower is not a lesser role. In fact, the best followers are those who listen, learn, and grow. They recognize wisdom in others and are humble enough to absorb it.

Many of history’s greatest leaders were once diligent followers. Mahatma Gandhi followed the teachings of Tolstoy before leading India’s nonviolent resistance.

Even Krishna, the supreme strategist, played the role of a charioteer—a follower—when Arjuna needed guidance.

My Personal Journey: Both Leader and Follower

Reflecting on my own life, I realize I have worn both hats at different times. During my banking career, I started as a follower—eager to learn, to observe, and to understand the intricacies of finance.

I followed the system, the seniors, the structure. But as time progressed, I grew into leadership. I trained teams, handled critical responsibilities, and mentored younger colleagues.

Yet, I never ceased to follow where learning was needed.

In retirement, I stepped into a new kind of leadership—the leadership of self. Writing blogs, painting, composing heartfelt videos—all of these are ways in which I now express a vision, my own path of creativity and inner fulfillment.

At the same time, I remain an ardent follower of inspiration—be it from nature, literature, or even from a child’s laughter.

The Balance Between Ego and Wisdom

To answer the question, “Are you a leader or a follower?” with honesty requires dropping the ego. Many of us may rush to claim leadership out of pride.

But true wisdom lies in recognizing when to lead and when to follow. A good leader must be a good follower—willing to listen, adapt, and grow.

Similarly, a strong follower is not blind or passive. They are active participants, curious seekers, and often possess the power to influence the leader’s direction subtly yet significantly.

The World Needs Both

Imagine a world full of only leaders. It would be a world of conflict, ego clashes, and chaos. Conversely, a world of only followers might lack initiative, innovation, and courage. Progress requires a beautiful dance between the two.

In families, communities, organizations, and nations, the healthiest dynamics arise when leadership and followership coexist respectfully.

Great teams function not because everyone leads, but because everyone knows when to lead and when to support.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Am I a leader or a follower?

I am both.

And I believe most of us are.

There are moments when I rise to inspire, to create, to guide. And there are moments when I surrender, listen, and learn. Life, after all, is not about choosing one fixed role but about being flexible, mindful, and wise.

So, dear readers, if this question ever confronts you—“Are you a leader or a follower?”—pause and reflect. Don’t be too quick to choose a label. Instead, embrace the rhythm of both roles as they appear in your life.

Sometimes, the best way to lead… is to follow.
And sometimes, the greatest way to follow… is to lead by example.

With warmth and thoughtful reflection,
— Vijay Verma
www.retiredkalam.com

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #Leadership, business, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1939, featured, leader, management, personal-development