Regardless of my seat at the table

The more you read online, the more overwhelming it seems.

Take a deep breath, you’re not alone.

When I see the question “Are you a leader or a follower?” my first instinct is to push back on the either-or framing. Real life is richer—and messier—than a single label. Some days we’re the ones charting the course, other days we’re learning from someone else’s compass.

A few things I keep reminding myself:

1. Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a mindset. You can lead by asking good questions, by offering to help, or by modeling calm in chaos.

2. Following can be an act of strength, not weakness. Choosing to trust someone’s expertise, to support their vision, or simply to listen deeply is how we build collective momentum.

3. Both roles demand self-awareness. If I don’t understand my values and limits, I end up leading people in circles or following voices that drown out my own.

4. Switching roles builds empathy. When I’ve struggled to rally a team, I remember how vital an encouraging follower can be. When I’m in the learner’s seat, I notice how respect fuels a leader’s courage.

So instead of squeezing ourselves into “leader” or “follower,” maybe we can ask:

• Where can I serve best right now?

• What does the moment (or community) need most from me?

• How can I show up with curiosity, courage, and compassion?

If we keep those questions close, the labels matter a lot less, and the collective progress matters a lot more.