Virtues in Kenya

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Leadership for Virtues


Many of our Virtues trained teachers and community leaders have gone back to their place of work as the only Virtues practitioner. This is very hard to do. As I read the following article I thought of you as you try to spread the word about Virtues and how the five strategies can transform lives.

In your school or community the first follower is crucial. It takes courage to be the first follower, as you also stand out, opening yourself to ridicule. Being a first follower is an underappreciated form of leadership. the first follower transforms a lone idealist into a leader. If the leader is the flint, the first follower is the spark that really makes the fire.

A second follower is attracted, then a few more, and then suddenly everyone wants to be a part of what is now a movement. So if you want to start a movement, remember the importance of nurturing the first few followers. Be public and easy to follow.

Sometimes leadership is over glorified since it's actually the first follower who is the key catalyst. There is no movement without the first follower. We are told we all need to be leaders but that would be ineffective. The best way to make a movement, if your really care, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow.