Follow the Leader

Choosing who you follow may be the most important leadership decision you make.

Remember the old childhood game “Follow the Leader”? One person would lead the line and the rest of us copied whatever they did. If they jumped, we jumped. If they twirled, we twirled. We didn’t question it. We just followed, laughing and trusting the ride.

Funny how that simple game sticks with us.

Today, my Klemmer* coach said something that brought it all back in a whole new way:

"Follow a leader that has what you want."

It stopped me in my tracks. Because whether we realize it or not, we’re still playing that game. We’re still following. Only now, the moves aren’t hopping on one foot or crawling under a chair, they’re how we show up in life, how we lead our families, how we navigate stress, how we love, how we speak truth, how we take care of our hearts.

And it made me think about who I really look to. Not just admire from a distance, but actually follow in small ways. The people I grab lunch with. The ones I trust when life gets hard. The ones who live the way I want to live.

I call them my target people. They’re not perfect. But they’re aligned. There’s something about them that makes me think, “Yes. More of that.” Maybe it's how they hold boundaries with kindness. Or how they stay grounded when things get messy. Or how they own their truth, even when it's uncomfortable.

These are the people I want leading the way in my life.

So what do I want in a leader?

• I want someone who leads from the front, not the top.

• Someone who listens more than they talk.

• Someone who speaks truth, but does it with love.

• Someone who lives what they believe.

• Someone who admits when they mess up and still keeps going.

• Someone who doesn’t need a spotlight to make an impact.

  
  

And here’s the part I really love, even the most well-known leaders are also followers.

Simon Sinek, the one who teaches purpose-driven leadership, talks openly about the mentors who shaped him. Steve Jobs didn’t create Apple from nothing. He followed people too. Asked questions. Studied others. Took what resonated and made it his own.

Real leadership is never about having it all figured out. It’s about being teachable. Curious. Willing to learn from someone who’s already living what you’re reaching for.

So here’s what I’ve been asking myself lately

• Who am I following right now?

• Do they reflect what I truly want in my life?

• Am I surrounding myself with people who challenge me to grow?

• And maybe more important, who’s watching me? What kind of leader am I being?

  
  

Because someone is always watching. It might be your child, your best friend, your coworker, or even a stranger who just needed to see someone stand in their truth.

You don’t need a title or a big platform to lead. You just need to live in alignment with what matters most to you. Be honest. Be kind. Be real.

And maybe, choose to follow a little more intentionally.

*Klemmer & Associates is a leadership and personal development organization focused on heart-driven leadership, character, and breakthrough training. Their programs help individuals step into their purpose, grow in integrity, and lead with both strength and compassion. Learn more at www.klemmer.com.

If you’re interested in enrolling, use my referral code 3462FD for a significant discount. Be sure to list my name, Bonnie Tisdale, as your referral.