- This topic has 10 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 5 months, 3 weeks ago by Megna Rajagopal.
I had some awful experiences with leaders and teachers in childhood and early in my working life that knocked down my confidence and motivation very much. For example, my educators would tell me that I was introverted and shy, and occasionally it was as though they were half-joking with me. Barely a week into work, I was told that I was not doing anything, but the reality is that I did not have any resources or training to do the job. Those alone may have been enough to cause me to quit, but they showed me one thing quite emphatically, I know exactly who NOT to be as a leader.
Meanwhile, I also saw what good leadership is. Good leaders are open, they truly care for their employees, and empathize. They do not just dump all the work on one person and leave them to it. They mentor, they help people grow, and are tough when needed but always fair. Seeing this made me want to be that kind of leader.
Being a follower provided the opposite perspective on leadership, what does work, what does not work, and why people respond the way that they do. For example, I have seen times when teammates were seeming to slack, but when I spoke to them, I found out that they were dealing with other personal issues. Having that sort of insight enables me to lead from an empathetic perspective instead of assumptions.
One of the most important things I have gained from being a follower is the importance of showing up and getting the job done. That mindset helped me persevere and get the job done even when I was unsure. It showed me that leadership is not perfect; it is consistent and dependable. I’ve also picked up other lessons from watching leaders and being part of teams, like the value of open communication and following through with people. They gave me what I needed to lead in my own way.
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I had some awful experiences with leaders and teachers in childhood and early in my working life that knocked down my confidence and motivation very much. For example, my educators would tell me that I was introverted and shy, and occasionally it was as though they were half-joking with me. Barely a week into work, I was told that I was not doing anything, but the reality is that I did not have any resources or training to do the job. Those alone may have been enough to cause me to quit, but they showed me one thing quite emphatically, I know exactly who NOT to be as a leader.
Meanwhile, I also saw what good leadership is. Good leaders are open, they truly care for their employees, and empathize. They do not just dump all the work on one person and leave them to it. They mentor, they help people grow, and are tough when needed but always fair. Seeing this made me want to be that kind of leader.
Being a follower provided the opposite perspective on leadership, what does work, what does not work, and why people respond the way that they do. For example, I have seen times when teammates were seeming to slack, but when I spoke to them, I found out that they were dealing with other personal issues. Having that sort of insight enables me to lead from an empathetic perspective instead of assumptions.
One of the most important things I have gained from being a follower is the importance of showing up and getting the job done. That mindset helped me persevere and get the job done even when I was unsure. It showed me that leadership is not perfect; it is consistent and dependable. I’ve also picked up other lessons from watching leaders and being part of teams, like the value of open communication and following through with people. They gave me what I needed to lead in my own way.
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Thank you for sharing Megna. I am convinced that the best leaders are those who have had to follow and who followed well. Like you said, followership shows us the importance of showing up and getting the job done but also, we get to see the kinds of leaders we want or don’t want to be. Sorry about your experience too. Bad leaders do hurt others.
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Megna, thank you for sharing, your words are so relevant to me, especially experiencing good leaders and in contrast those leaders who can have a negative impact on us. The impact of a bad experience can easily knock confidence and lead us to question our capabilities and personal qualities as future leaders. I really relate to your approach to turn a negative experience to a positive in respect of learning how NOT to lead. This is why the solo expedition is so important as it allows us to take our skills in leadership from within, to be enough and learn from others who want to give us a good experience rather than undermine our abilities and deter us from becoming fellow leaders. Thank you once again!
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One of my guides once told me how important it is to be a follower sometimes instead of always being the leader. By becoming a good follower, you also learn to be a good leader. She even said that she always wants to be a follower rather than a leader. This perspective shifted something in me — the idea that leadership is not about always being in front, but about being attentive, observant, and supportive in ways that allow others to lead. In following, you learn humility, patience, and the ability to listen deeply. You become more aware of group dynamics and of the quiet contributions that often go unseen. These are all qualities that make for stronger, more empathetic leadership when it’s your turn to step forward.
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I’ve also faced tough days early in my career that shook my confidence, but like you, those experiences showed me the kind of leader I want to be—empathetic and supportive. Watching how kindness and clear communication can transform teams helped me grow into a leader who values people beyond just tasks. Your story deeply resonates with the lessons I’ve learned along my own journey.
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