A colleague introduced a meeting with this video. The three-minute video is not only entertaining, but it holds a powerful truth – leaders are not leaders without followers, and following – especially early on – takes courage. The narrator of the video explains: without followers, leaders are “lone nuts,” and while we live in a culture that tells us everyone should lead, that’s really impossible since leaders need followers to truly be leaders.

The video is a quick, yet powerful, view of how movements form and focuses on the first follower and the courage it took (and takes) to be the first person to follow someone, giving the now-leader credibility. In essence, the first follower becomes a leader in his own right yet rarely receives recognition.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ

If you’re a leader – named or not – take a look at the first followers around you; recognize their courage.