Leaders and Followers
31 Jan
As with most things in life there are leaders and there are followers. Leaders are leaders because they run at the front of the group. Followers are called followers because they run behind the leader.
So it was with the buffalo herd. The leaders decided the direction. The rest of the herd followed behind never questioning the leaders choices.
Being at the front of the herd is a good place to be at times. When you are a buffalo anyways. You get the best food. Before it is trampled by hundreds of others that follow.
You get the best view. Not butts for you to stare at. You see the horizon.
You get the first drink of water, the first view of danger, the best place to sleep.
But, being part of the herd is good to. You get led around to places to eat and drink and sleep and you really don’t have to do much. If there is a threat you just have to be able to run faster than one other buffalo to survive.
And the best part is you don’t have to make decisions about anything. You just have to follow.
On this particular day there was danger.
The leaders began running and one by one the other buffalo joined in.
They ran across the open field and then down a hill and along a path into some trees.
It was in the trees that one of the buffalo decided he had run enough.
As soon as they turned a corner he hopped off the trail and stood quietly in the trees.
The danger ran past him. As it turned out it wasn’t really anything dangerous. Just some really loud rabbits that had startled the buffalo and then when they saw the buffalo running had thought there must be a fox in the area so they ran too.
The lone buffalo chuckled and ran to tell the herd what was happening.
But when he caught up to the herd no one would believe him.
The leaders wouldn’t make such a mistake they thought.
And if the leaders kept running there must be a reason.
Eventually he worked his way to the front of the herd and up to the leaders.
And he shared what he had seen with them.
So, the leaders stopped running. And the herd stopped running.
And when the buffalo went to return to the herd the leaders told him to stay with them.
Sometimes by stepping away from the herd we become a leader.
So your question is:
What are you doing to separate yourself from the herd? ( I guess if you’re human you could be separating yourself from the crowd if you want. Crowd is a more human term.)
This story brings to mind Richard Shindell’s cover of a Pete Seeger song called, “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy.” (give it a listen)
In answer to your question, the only thing coming to mind is something I’ve been doing at work, pretty much since I started there. Whenever I’ve learned something new, I’ve shared that knowledge with others who hold a similar position to me within the organization. Now, I’ve got the reputation of being the go-to person, the one who knows how to do everything. Sometimes, it’s hard living up to that, though…lol. I feel like I’ve let them down when I don’t have the answer.
skyetrueheart´s last blog ..The Power of Presence
I tend to end up doing the same thing.
I take meticulous notes of things I learn and then get everyone to try to do the task. Then I adjust my notes based on their feedback.
Staff are always asking for my notes,ha,ha..
Alright I’m going to listen to the song now.
Umm..I didn’t hear one mention of a buffalo in that song.
Plus that song is way longer than the last video I did that you complained about, ha,ha..
pfffffft….I wasn’t complaining; I was giving constructive criticism, which, I might add, you asked for. At least, the song was good.
skyetrueheart´s last blog ..The Power of Presence
It was a good song.
And I do appreciate the constructive criticism.
btw, if you listened to the lyrics, they were about how sometimes the leader shouldn’t be followed, because they’re not always right, and they can lead you into danger, all the while not being willing to admit they’re wrong.
skyetrueheart´s last blog ..The Power of Presence
Wow, that’s a good story. Of course, it would end with more punch if you hadn’t added “I suppose” lol
Mitch´s last blog ..The Ethics Of Your Writing
I suppose I should remove the I suppose part then.
So I will I suppose..
Thanks for the tip Mitch..
No problem; always remember, if you make it sound like you believe it, other people will as well
Mitch´s last blog ..Some Random Sunday Things
Woohoo.. my first blog collaboration. Or perhaps the term is Joint Venture.
Correction…Mitch and I were involved in a JV on this post, ha,ha..
Where’s my cut? lol
Mitch´s last blog ..January Income Report – Changing For 2010
A very good story. Timely too. I was never one to follow the herd.
Rose´s last blog ..The Online Reputation of Rose DesRochers
There are enough followers on the internet and in real life.
You certainly aren’t one of them..
Umm..unless you are following my blog. Then following is good too, ha,ha..
A top story Glen, it’s like I was saying in one of my posts, it’s all to do with your style of writing and you’ve used a story to get your point across perfectly. Well done mate.
Sire´s last blog ..The Morning Glory Cloud And Anna Creek Station
Thanks Sire.
This is one of the few posts on my site where I felt I had used my style effectively.
Having someone mention my style means a lot to me..
Credit where credit is due Glen.
Sire´s last blog ..The Morning Glory Cloud And Anna Creek Station
I’m following you on Twitter isn’t that enough?
Rose´s last blog ..The Online Reputation of Rose DesRochers