Is It Time to Click “Unfollow”?
Last week, we explored what it means to nurture your team into flourishing followers. But what should we as leaders do when our followers simply aren’t flourishing on our team? One of my team members – who had just had her first baby – shared this with me: In a lot of ways, new mothers today are really blessed with easy access to so many resources and tips. I can go on social media and follow lactation consultants, child psychologists, and speech therapists who share their expertise. But at the same time, it can be just as harmful as helpful. I’ve been following a really popular baby sleep…
Followers Who Flourish
Did you play the childhood game “Follow the Leader?” There is always a leader, but everyone else is both following and leading, until the last person in line. The people following you were following whoever you were following. If a follower goes rogue, their followers have to decide who to follow next. Watching children play this game is revealing. Sometimes there’s tension over being the leader. But most of the time, they are happy to follow. It feels safer. You don’t have to come up with all the ideas – the places to go or things to do. You just do what the person you are following does. Knowing who…
Following Through the Fog
Have you ever been in a fog that was so dense it seemed you could reach out and touch it? Late one night, I was driving home after a long day and found myself engulfed in that type of mist. Even from inside my car, it felt tangible. It was pitch black night outside, and the fog was an extra layer hindering my visibility. And to make matters worse, I was driving onto a bridge. Scenes from many a classic spook film flew into my mind, but I pushed them aside as I gripped the steering wheel tightly. No efforts on my part helped my vision improve. If you’ve…
Who Are Your Followers Really Following?
Let’s play a little game. You’re at a Starbucks, and there’s a girl at a table nearby wearing a sundress, cowboy boots, and bright red lipstick. She’s laughing at something her friend says and responds, “Because I’m in my Fearless era!” A few minutes later you hear her say, “This song is giving Midnight Rain vibes.” Who is she following? Let’s try another. Your team is meeting with a new consultant about a product you want to offer. He comes in wearing a black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers. His presentation about the product idea focuses on making it sleeker, minimalist, and a “user first” design. He pauses dramatically between…
