I’ve been doing some thinking lately about “leadership” in the online space and how “easy” it is to become one. The rise of social media has provided even the “strangest” to gather an ungodly following within days.
And not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, but in terms of how we “do” things in our culture and context, leadership means a little bit more (and perhaps less).
Not everyone needs to be a leader. In fact, I’ve challenging myself a lot lately with the concept of leadership, whether I have it and whether I need to use it, and when I am using it, whether I’m doing it appropriately or not.
Being a leader online is easy and there are so many people, internet marketers, and whatnot telling you that you can be one too, if you just do this, and this, and this and join this social network, and do this and that and buy this…
I’d like to imagine that we’d be a bit more counter-culture, but strategically so. We’re followers. That’s who we are and what we are proclaiming to do when we say we’re followers of Christ.
I’d venture to say that in the online Christendom space I see too many people who are trying to be leaders and not followers, and trying to present themselves as “leaders” and not “followers.” I find that sad.
This is a big gutcheck for me, personally. Am I being identified as a “leader” or a “follower?” I’d rather be known as a follower first, a leader second.
[Image from Hamed]
stephenbateman says
Following well takes more courage and patience than average.
marcpayan says
good post. yes, leading and following are easy. without any effort, by simply being alive, you're doing one or the other.
its the knowing why and where that matters.
why are you leading and where to?
why are you following and where to?
the modern web or online space simply exposes people to continue the same patterns of behavior with a new audience.
liked the notion of being known as a follower first. perhaps the question to 'leaders' should be 'who do you follow?'
Paul Steinbrueck says
Sometimes I wonder how much leading or following is really happening online. If someone creates a community site does that make them a leader? And if a bunch of people show up there regularly and discuss things does that make them followers?
I'm going to suggest that neither leading nor following takes place until a follower puts into action something initiated by the leader. What do you think?
human3rror says
hmm. good point paul. is action the only barometer?
Paul Steinbrueck says
Not sure. Certainly leaders influence actions that they are never aware of. I would even suggest a leader can influence a follower's thinking in a way impacts that person's actions down the road without either the leader or follower knowing it. I'm having a hard time coming up with an example that doesn't involve any action. Can you (John) or anyone else?
Sam Mahlstadt says
I agree completely! Too many are using social media networks to impose leadership on others who are merely having conversation. This is especially dangerous when organic faith conversations are taking place and ministry leaders feel the need to jump in and "lead" the conversation. Just posted about this the other day: "New Media: Consumer Leadership"
Good thoughts, and thanks for saying this, as you are on online leader, but a Christ follower first, no doubt.
human3rror says
thanks for this sam! appreciate the thoughts!