Lead and follow people

To lead and follow people at the same time

The Tao Te Ching offers a paradoxical leadership lesson. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them. Lao Tzu suggests that good leaders listen first. They understand needs, respect wisdom from below and guide without forcing. Leadership, in this view, is a form of service.

Modern management thinking echoes this idea. Robert Greenleaf coined the term servant leadership in 1970. He argued that the best leaders prioritise the growth and wellbeing of their teams. Research suggests that servant leadership can increase trust, engagement and performance.

How to lead and follow people well

Listening is the foundation. Leaders who ask questions and genuinely consider answers make better decisions. Therefore, regular one-to-one conversations and open forums are powerful tools. For example, a manager who asks the team what slows them down often finds simple, effective improvements.

Following also means respecting expertise. Front-line employees often know customers and processes better than executives. Moreover, involving them in decisions increases commitment to the outcome.

Humility is essential. Leaders who admit mistakes and change course based on feedback earn credibility. Consequently, teams feel safe to share honest opinions.

This does not mean abandoning direction. Leaders still set vision, make tough calls and take responsibility.

The balance resembles dancing. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, and the best partners sense when to switch.

Families and communities benefit from the same approach. Parents who listen to children and community leaders who consult residents build stronger relationships.

In short, real leadership starts with listening. Therefore, in your next meeting, speak last and listen first. For instance, ask each person for their view before sharing yours. As a result, people will follow you more willingly.

Keep reading

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• Follow each other