A few days ago, I read an article in Harvard Business Review that made me reflect deeply on how we understand—and often misunderstand—leadership. The article, written by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzicand Amy Edmondson, analyzed something that caught my attention: many leaders as renowned as Satya Nadella, Mary Barra, or Tim Cook didn’t reach the top because of overwhelming charisma, but because of something much less visible, quieter… and more valuable: THEY WERE FIRST GREAT FOLLOWERS.
Yes, that’s right. In a world that still glorifies vision, authority, or the ability to “command,” research indicates that the most admired leaders share a common foundation: THE ABILITY TO FOLLOW WELL BEFORE LEADING.
LISTENING IS MORE POWERFUL THAN COMMANDING
For a long time, we have associated leadership with “being the one who speaks,” “making decisions,” or “setting the course.” However, many of these leaders stand out for just the opposite: their ability to listen. They listen with intention, curiosity, and humility. They aren’t trying to prove anything; they’re trying to learn everything.
They absorb information from engineers, clients, critical collaborators, or people with different perspectives. This listening isn’t passive: it’s a strategic tool that allows them to adapt faster and make better decisions.
FOLLOWERSHIP ISN’T A WEAKNESS, IT’S A STRENGTH.
The article defines “followership” not as subordination, but as a set of skills that are essential for any professional who aspires to lead with impact. Among them are:
- Active listening
- Purpose above ego
- Reliability in execution
- The ability to speak truth to power
- Coachability: always maintaining a learner’s mindset.
These skills reduce blind spots, build trust, and make people want to follow you not out of obligation, but out of conviction.
THE BIG MISTAKE: CONFUSING LEADERSHIP WITH STATUS.
Many falls into the trap of thinking that leading is about “having the last word” or “being the smartest person in the room.” But great leaders know when to step aside when someone else knows more, to relinquish the spotlight, and to recognize the talent of others.
That gesture isn’t weakness: it’s wisdom. And courage.
LEADING IS ABOUT INTEGRATING, NOT IMPOSING.
Listening well doesn’t mean lowering standards or relinquishing decision-making power. It means integrating diverse perspectives to make better decisions. In an increasingly complex environment, significant challenges can only be resolved through collective intelligence.
That’s why strategic listening has become one of the most powerful tools for 21st-century leaders.
So, you know: TO LEAD BETTER, START BY FOLLOWING BETTER.
The article’s central idea strikes me as powerful: you’re not ready to be a great leader if you aren’t first a great follower. Authentic leadership doesn’t emerge from the spotlight, but from the shadows. It’s not built on ego, but on learning.