I haven't updated this in ages, but from now on, all my
culture shock posts will also be here. Read on:
It takes energy to be a leader, but the
follower is the most important part of the equation in any type of movement. Without any followers, the leader is nothing.
Britney/(Brittany) is nothing without her fans...
As a member of a club's executive board, I've been critical of leadership lately and what it takes to be an effective leader. Leaders face many challenges, and for their commitment I give them my respect and major
eProps. However, some leaders just don't get it. And by
it, I mean they don't realize that it takes the commitment of the
follower to accomplish the task or movement (I know I'm not being specific, but my generalization is applicable to many groups). There is a difference between command and execution, between telling someone to do something and
getting them to do it. Leadership is a collaborative effort.
When it comes to executive membership, I'd like to apply
game theory to my reasoning. Every member has the option to defect from their duties. Of course, if you've chosen a leadership position, you should care about your job because your work ethic determines your credibility. E-board members should work for the best interests of the club because its best interests should advance their own goals. But not all members choose to cooperate because let's get real; you have the choice to sit on your lazy butt and not do anything. (That's when an overarching police force comes in handy).
But I'm digressing from my point, that is leaders should not force. And no one should carry that attitude that everyone is going to defect in their own interest. So leaders, what's the best way to guarantee a following?
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