It’s harder to follow than to lead

I’ve noticed something interesting. Most people assume that it’s harder to lead than to follow. Now, why would they assume this?

• Followers choose whom they want to follow and this is not necessarily easy. For example:
  How do you know that the person you follow will take you one step closer to your vision, goal, or objective?
• How do you know you’re not being lied to or cheated?
• How do you know that the person you follow isn’t just interested in his or her own power?
• And what if the person doesn’t live up to your expectations, what do you do?

Many dictators have gained power by tricking people into voting for them. Once in power, they start dismantling democratic structures, bit by bit. When this happens, we often blame the madman craving power, but wouldn’t it be more correct to blame those who follow? No one can gain power without consent from enough people.

So yes, being a leader might be hard at times, but being a follower is much, much harder.