By Dr. Jack Welch
The Star Follower
Many think leadership means being in charge, making decisions and controlling outcomes. Yet some strong leaders I have known were not at the top of the organizational chart. They were teammates and colleagues who understood the mission.
Who is the captain? Is that person a great leader simply because the team selected them? A captain’s title may reflect ability, but it can also reflect popularity. The real test is whether that person serves teammates and puts the team ahead of personal recognition.
During my coaching years, I had outstanding captains who did not always see much playing time. They led by being first in drills, encouraging teammates from the sideline, and doing the little things that kept the team strong. If we value only starters, we overlook people essential to success. Head coaches also need assistants who lead, serve, and sacrifice for the mission.
Think about the different types of people you encounter on a team or in the workplace. The “sheep” waits to be told what to do at every step. The “yes-person” agrees with the boss, even when they have concerns or believe a different approach would be better. The “dictator” may have good ideas but delivers them in ways that push people away. The “chameleon” changes opinions depending on who is in charge or what will make them look good. Then there is the “star follower,” a person who demonstrates integrity, speaks honestly and respectfully, supports the team, and remains committed to the mission—even when doing so is difficult. Which type best describes you?
Star followers remind me of dependable teammates. They do not need a title or applause to make a difference. They support others, speak up when necessary, and stand ready when their opportunity arrives. Their goal is team success, not personal power.
An offensive lineman may be one of the greatest examples of a star follower on a football team. These players often do the thankless work of blocking, sacrificing their bodies, and creating opportunities for the skill players to gain yardage and score points. Their names may not appear in the headlines, and they rarely receive the recognition given to the quarterback or running back. Yet without their effort, discipline, and teamwork, those big plays would not happen. Offensive linemen understand their role, take pride in serving the team, and do whatever it takes to help others succeed. That is the heart of a great follower, and a true leader.
Leadership is not always about being number one or being in control. Sometimes the greatest leadership is being a good follower, a trusted partner, and a faithful teammate. The question is not simply, “Who is in charge?” It is, “Who is helping fulfill the mission?”
Thought for the Week: “Great teams are built by people willing to lead when needed and follow when the mission calls for it.” — Keith Stifflemire, Fort Scott Community College Athletic Director.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.