Eoungh Already....Are You a Leader or a Follower?
Written by Melanie Benson Strick
I’ve been seeing a lot of “information” lately about being a leader or a follower. What I’ve come to understand is a lot of mentors, gurus and marketers need you to be a follower. Followers do what they are told. Which means followers will probably spend a lot more money with their “guru” and will implement exactly how they are told. Which means the “gurus” ego can be stroked, so they can capture the followers success and convince a lot more followers to buy.
I’m sorry but I just can’t get on board with that.
I want to play with other leaders. What I know is that leaders make change happen. Followers just haven’t found their own voice yet. So I’m pretty clear its my job to inspire other entrepreneurs, service professionals and marketers to find their voice and shift into being a thought leader.
Now I know not everyone is ready or willing to lead. That’s OK. But my guess is if you are ready my blog you feel it — it’s time to step into being a leader.
With that in mind, I thought I’d share a great overview of the difference between a leader and a follower from Inspirational Archive.
Leaders vs. Followers
When leaders make a mistake, they say, “I was wrong.”
When followers make mistakes, they say, “It wasn’t my fault.”
A leader works harder than a follower and has more time;
a follower is always “too busy” to do what is necessary.
A leader goes through a problem;
a follower goes around it and never gets past it.
A leader makes and keeps commitments;
a follower makes and forgets promises.
A leader says, “I’m good, but not as good as I ought to be;”
a follower says, “I’m not as bad as a lot of other people.”
Leaders listen;
followers just wait until it’s their turn to talk.
Leaders respect those who are superior to them and tries to learn something from them;
followers resent those who are superior to them and try to find chinks in their armor.
Leaders feel responsible for more than their job;
followers say, “I only work here.”
A leader says, “There ought to be a better way to do this;”
followers say, “That’s the way it’s always been done here.”
Here’s what I’d add to the list:
A leader uses innovation to create new levels of success,
followers copy what other people are doing to be successful.
A leader recognizes problems and proactively solves them,
followers complain about their problems, staying stuck.
A leader knows they serve the world with their genius,
followers focus on what will make them money today.
Who do you want to be? A leader or a follower? Me, I’m a leader and I love helping others find that leadership energy inside of them.
Article author
About the Author
Melanie Benson Strick, known as The Big Idea Catalyst, helps entrepreneurs re-energize their business, focus on the right opportunities, and to expand their impact with proven sustainable growth strategies. Ready to super-charge your business? Get 25 Tips to Re-Energize Your Business in 7 Days or Less at http://tinyurl.com/45j3ars
Further reading
Further Reading
Website
Alora Packaging
Alora Packaging is a US and China-based custom packaging manufacturer offering premium boxes, eco-friendly packaging, retail packaging, mylar bags, glass packaging, and branded packaging solutions for businesses across the USA and worldwide.
September 16, 2026
Article
The Role of Packaging in Reducing Product Damage During Shipping
Learn how proper packaging can protect products during shipping, reduce damage and returns, lower unnecessary costs, and create a better customer experience for e-commerce businesses.
September 16, 2026
Article
5 Quick Tips for Small Businesses That Want to Implement AI
This article is aimed at small businesses & entrepreneurs who want to implement AI tools into their day to day operations, but are unsure where to begin.
September 7, 2026
Article
Is AMC mandatory for NCA compliance in Saudi Arabia?
An IT AMC is not listed as a standalone legal requirement by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), but NCA controls do require ongoing maintenance, patching, monitoring, and secure management of systems.
August 26, 2026