One of the strangest ideas I hear in modern culture is this: "I'm not really a follower. I'm more of a leader."

I've heard some version of that statement many times over the years. Every time I hear it, I think the same thing: that's a false dichotomy. It assumes that leadership and followership are opposites. It assumes that if you're a strong leader, you can't be a strong follower. My experience has been exactly the opposite.

In fact, many of the best leaders I have ever met were also outstanding followers. The Marine Corps taught me that lesson.

My Experience as an Infantry Squad Leader

When I served in the Marine Corps, I eventually earned the billet of Infantry Squad Leader. As a Squad Leader, I led Marines. I led three Fire Team Leaders. Each Fire Team Leader led Marines of his own. Leadership was absolutely part of my daily responsibility.

• —Make decisions
• —Set standards
• —Maintain accountability
• —Develop junior Marines
• —Accomplish the mission

I was a leader. There is no question about that. But at the exact same time, I was also a follower. Above me were leaders I followed. I followed the orders of my Platoon Sergeant. I followed the orders of my Platoon Commander. I followed the intent and direction established by higher headquarters.

I was simultaneously leading and following. The two were never in conflict. They supported one another.

Promotions Don't Come From Ignoring Orders

I did not become a Fire Team Leader because I refused to follow instructions. I did not become a Squad Leader because I rejected authority. I did not earn the rank of Corporal and later Sergeant because I ignored my leaders. Quite the opposite.

I earned greater responsibility because I demonstrated that I could be trusted with responsibility. Part of that trust came from my ability to follow instructions, execute orders, and support the mission.

Nobody Wants to Be OFP

In the Marine Corps, there is an expression that is not intended as a compliment. Someone may say: "He's on his own program." It means the person is operating independently of the team. They aren't aligned with the mission. They aren't aligned with the plan. They aren't aligned with the standards. They're doing their own thing.

They may believe they're demonstrating leadership. Often they're demonstrating the opposite. Real leadership isn't about creating chaos. Real leadership isn't about rejecting every instruction. Real leadership isn't about proving how independent you are. Leadership exists within a larger mission. The best leaders understand that.

Great Leaders Are Great Followers

To some people, "follower" sounds like weakness. It sounds passive. It sounds submissive. That's not how I view it. A great follower can:

• —Listen
• —Learn
• —Execute
• —Support
• —Collaborate
• —Improve
• —Contribute

Those are leadership skills. The person who cannot be coached often struggles to coach others. The person who cannot be mentored often struggles to mentor others. The person who cannot follow guidance often struggles to provide guidance.

Good leadership and good followership are not enemies. They are partners.

What I Learned

The Marine Corps taught me that the best leaders I ever served with were also excellent followers. They understood commander's intent. They followed orders. They supported the mission. They developed junior Marines. They led from the front. And when it was time to receive guidance from someone above them, they did that professionally too.

They were capable of both. In my experience, that's what real leadership looks like. Not leadership instead of followership. Leadership built upon followership.