b-side leadership

i always believed i am a natural leader by genes and intuition. that i can lead to achieve change. that i can inspire people. i did! i created, along with friends, the first art club in Ateneo de Davao. ArtCo, in 10 years now, is my sole proof that i can lead.

between ArtCo and now, i found i am less a leader. it didn't frustrate me though. so, i strived learning leadership and re-tried leading. i failed. i realized i do not have the striking charisma, enforcive attitude, superb communication and extensive network. i only have the competency to work things, as instructed, and great new ideas that kept me dreaming of leading.

so, i stayed low. i took the role of a follower, as inspired by the divine teaching of a great leader Jesus-be a servant to lead. following is humbling and gratifying when you make someone's ideas happen. but leading still charms me, especially when you make your ideas happen.

leading is just too inspiring. i even dreamed of running Barangay Captain and managing my own development organization and business in my town. but i'm left saving my ideas and following momentarily because charisma and resources are likely hard to earn fast. stepping up when no one's leading is the most i could do. second-rate leadership doesn't push full initiatives and somehow is disheartening until reading Harvard Business' article about B-players.

i am proud again! i am now a more proud follower-a b player who is considered to be a corporate backbone. without us, ideas and initiatives just don't happen even with good leadership. being a b player is itself leadership-only but off from the limelight. Jesus now made more sense and my ideas aren't in vague dreamland after all. and soon, i will be managing my own club change.