Everyone talks about how important it is to be a leader because your leadership development is so important. However, since everyone can’t be a leader all the time, sometimes you need to be the one being led. When someone else is leading, how do you react? Do you fall in line to be an encouraging supporter? Or do you find fault, criticize and generally resist the leadership of another?

I ask this because I’ve heard any number of partners describe how their colleagues and others in the firm stand at bay, unwilling to get involved, unwilling to support or get behind an important effort for the sake of staff, clients, or the firm. Very frustrating if you’ve been there. You’re better if you fall in step with the leader.

• Give effort to understand, cooperate and follow through on their direction. They have a plan and need you to execute.
• Give good feedback about your perspective and observations. They often can’t see everything clearly and may miss something you see or can anticipate.
• Be in regular communication with them, updating your progress and raising problems to encounter them. Don’t be passive, communicating only when asked.

This is especially powerful when you are the one more seasoned than the one leading. Those your junior gain as much from you following their lead as when you are leading.

Who is initiating an effort who needs your support and encouragement, not your criticism and resistance? Step up and be led for the benefit of the initiative and the initiator. Subjugation to the leadership of another is not a bad thing, especially because you will need their followership on your initiatives one day.