Does anyone ever aspire to be a follower?

Yet, throughout history, every great leader followed someone. Even as children we would fight, squabble, and compete to be thought of as the person to follow. I don't hear too much about leadership today, not like I did say, thirty years ago. It may just be that at this point in my life, it has become less important to me to do what someone else's idea of a leader is, and instead be something others may see as an example to follow.

By the way, the following has gotten me where I stand today as much, if not more than leading. All around me are inspiration, magnificence, and grace.

My dear friend and colleague, Stacey Hall; author, trainer, leader, and networker extraordinaire, exemplify core values that have been the keys to her growth and success; Core values as faith, trustworthiness, and accountability.

Another hero, or perhaps heroine, that is someone who now thousands worldwide follow is the beautiful and irrepressible Ghazala Jabeen. A willing and eager student in a Success by Design Untraining Seminar in Wales some 23 years ago, she was recently named one of the most successful and influential women in the world, followed not just by aspiring women wishing to claim their place in the male-dominated paradigm of leadership, but by hundreds of already successful businessmen as well! Why?

"Ghaz" doesn't know the meaning of resignation.

She has survived an honor-killing contract, the loss of her soulmate, several business reversals, and disappointments to arrive at a place where she regularly turns down six-figure contract offers, because, well....she can. If you wish to see courage, persistence, inspiration, and integrity, wrapped up in a five-foot-something package sprinkled with saffron and a dash of curry, grab a coaching class or course with the woman I call "Ghazilla!"

One of the most significant influences in my business life has been my friend and coach for more than forty years. His impact early on in my Network Marketing career led me thirty years ago to name my only child after him; my daughter Brooke. Richard Bliss Brooke, the author of The Four Year Career Plan and Mach II With Your Hair On Fire, is best known for his expertise and specialty in the field of Leadership Development.

Richard, more than three decades ago wrote:

 A leader does the right thing regardless of personal loss or gain.

  A leader is committed to the success of his/her organization.

  A leader serves rather than 'help' others.

  A leader creates and keeps an empowering vision.

  A leader challenges others to do what isn't easy.

  A leader does what others are unwilling to do.

  A leader does it anyway.

I keep these words in the top drawer of my office desk, and I read them at least once a week.

Courage. Contribution. Example. Inspiration. Integrity. Appreciation. Vision. Commitment to purpose and others. These are among the critical core values possessed by the leaders I've mentioned and all the others around the world that people will seek out and follow.

 I believe I may be a better follower than I am a leader. I listen for and endeavor to follow my Savior, Christ Jesus, the "ultimate" leader's, voice in my heart every day.

It is a struggle sometimes to just do well at that.

I choose to leave being thought of as a good leader to him.

It's much less stressful.