The core leadership dynamic involves leaders giving direction and followers carrying it out. Leaders decide, communicate what should be done, and oversee implementation. Followers receive direction, comply with it, and implement what leaders have determined.
This direction-execution relationship is fundamental—leaders are supposed to direct; followers are supposed to execute. Direction flows from above to below; implementation happens at follower level.
If you are the leader, know that directing is your responsibility—followers expect you to tell them what to do. Direction does not require extensive justification; your position gives you the right to direct.
If you are a follower, know that executing direction is your responsibility—good followership means effective implementation of what the leader decides. Questioning direction constantly rather than executing is problematic regardless of question validity.
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