True Leaders and Followers

"Leader presumes follower. Follower presumes choice. One who is coerced to the purposes, objectives, or preferences of another is not a follower in any true sense of the word, but an object of manipulation. Nor is the relationship materially altered if both parties voluntarily accept the dominance of one by the other. A true leader cannot be bound to lead. A true follower cannot be bound to follow. The moment they are bound they are no longer leader or follower. If the behavior of either is compelled, whether by force, economic necessity, or contractual arrangement, the relationship is altered to one of superior/subordinate, manager/employee, master/servant, or owner/slave. All such relationships are materially different from leader/follower." Dee Hock, "The Art of Chaordic Leadership"

In spite of all the books on leadership I think very few "leaders" really understand this. It is much easier to compell someone to do something than it is to induce them to do something. But it is a short cut that shorts out in the long run.

Unfortunately most leaders I know can't see any other way to get things done so they continue in the same fashion. The frustrating part is that they will not accept that there is even the possibility of doing things another way and if you try to explain you are quickly written off as either being rebellious, a quack or lazy.