10 Signs You're a Follower Instead of a Leader

Leadership

Anyone is capable of becoming a leader, but not everyone is cut out for leadership. That doesn't mean they're less capable of making an important contribution, just that they bring a different set of skills to the table.

Different Set of Skills

Anyone is capable of becoming a leader, but not everyone is cut out for leadership. That doesn't mean they're less capable of making an important contribution, just that they bring a different set of skills to the table.

You have to work to control your emotions

The best leaders have emotional intelligence; they may feel things deeply but they're emotionally strong and stay in charge of their feelings. Followers are more reactive with their emotions, while leaders are more responsive

You like the middle of the road

Successful leaders have strong convictions and are bold in their beliefs, while followers are less committed to ideals. Followers get out of the storm while leaders stand strong against it

You're set and rigid in your thinking

Leaders may be headstrong and determined, but they also know when to be flexible and agile. Followers are more inclined to stay on the set course come what may

You're averse to risk

By nature, followers are more cautious than bold. Leaders combine big dreams and action; they leap into situations where both the payoff and the risk are substantial. Followers watch and take notes; they move more slowly

You're not high in self-confidence

Leaders tend to be decisive, opinionated and self-assured. Followers are more likely to see limits in their abilities and put more faith in the judgments of others

You're not particularly results-oriented

Leaders like to have a definitive plan and a blueprint for getting results--a bridge between goals and accomplishment. Followers like to have clear instructions that allow them to focus more on their corner of the big picture

You favor a scattershot approach over focus

Successful leaders are all about discipline, focus and getting things done. Followers are more comfortable with distraction--they're skilled at putting things down and picking them up again later

You're not Communicative

Leaders are often good speakers and patient listeners who enjoy bringing people together and motivating them. Followers tend to be more introspective and less communicative

You don't look too far ahead

Leaders are almost always characterized by a clear vision for the future and sharing that vision with others. Followers either focus on the moment or sign on to a leader's vision

Inspiration

An important quality of a leader is to motivate and inspire others. For followers, that kind of thinking doesn't come naturally at all.