Understanding Authority

Scouts like to lead. That is just the way we are. We know where we want to go, and we tend to take off and go there. The reality is that we are not always in the place to lead. Sometimes we have to follow someone else, and as conductor Leonard Bernstein said, “The most difficult instrument to play in the orchestra is second fiddle.”

Here is the fact that all Scouts and Scouters must learn: Before you can be a good leader, you must be a good follower. People who always have to be the leader tend to be challenging to deal with, mistreat their followers (if they have any), and get very little done. The correct understanding of a team comes from being able to effectively and positively take the role of both leader and follower as needed. We must remember, as author Michael McKinney said, “Followership, like leadership, is a role and not a destination.” These roles often change, even within the same team.

“Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.”

Robert E. Lee

1807-1870

Statesman

 

As a Scout, your top priority is the success of the team. That means you work with others on the team to use your strengths to the highest good. That may mean that someone else is best suited to lead in a particular project. When that happens, you should be able to move into the follower role and respect the leadership of others. A good leader will know when they need to follow, and when they need to lead.

To some degree, we all are following someone. As Bob Dylan said, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” We have bosses, leaders, customers, or other authority figures we must submit to. Despite what we are sometimes told, following is not a bad thing, and it in no way denies you of your independence. A truly free person knows that with freedom comes responsibility. We all have our parts to play, and the Scout knows they are the example in whatever role they play. Retired Air Force Colonel Phillip S. Meilinger said, “Do your job quietly, confidently, and professionally, and trust your colleagues will do likewise.”

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey