The Paradox of Power: Why the Best Leaders Know How to Follow

Posted on February 3rd, 2026

The conventional view of leadership is simple: the leader stands at the front, dictates the direction, and everyone else falls in line. But some of the most profound wisdom on influence comes from an unexpected source—and from the paradoxical truth that the best leaders must first master the art of following.

Willie Robertson, known for leading a multi-million-dollar empire founded on family values and faith, and the principles often discussed in faith-based leadership circles, embodies this counterintuitive idea. For Robertson and many others, the path to true leadership is paved with humility, submission, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a loyal follower.

The Humility of the Second Seat

The call to "Want to Lead? Follow!" is not a call to inaction; it's a call to preparation.

• Learn the Vision: When you are following, you gain an invaluable perspective. You are forced to study the vision of your leader—to understand why they make the decisions they do, how they handle crises, and what their priorities truly are. You learn the mission statement not as an abstract concept, but as the lived reality of the organization.
• Master the Process: Following allows you to master the processes and systems that make the enterprise work. You understand the trenches before you are asked to command the army. This grassroots knowledge is essential because leaders who have never been on the ground rarely command genuine respect.
• Ego Check: True following is a powerful exercise in humility. It forces you to put aside your ego, your desire for the spotlight, and your need to be right. This submission to authority prepares you for the weight of leadership, which requires putting the organization's mission above personal glory.

The Servant's Heart: Leading from Below

A leader who has learned to follow understands that their power is not "power over" others, but "power with" others—a mandate to serve. They know how it feels to be directed, to be corrected, and to be overlooked. This experience breeds empathy and loyalty, two non-negotiable traits for effective leadership.

• Loyalty Earns Loyalty: A leader who has demonstrated unwavering loyalty as a follower will naturally command loyalty when it is their turn to lead. They understand that a team thrives on trust, and trust is built on consistency and faithfulness.
• Development of Character: Storms are inevitable in leadership, but they are often best endured by those whose character was forged in the quiet obedience of following. The discipline you learn in the second seat is the structure that will hold you upright in the first.

If you desire to be a leader of lasting impact, stop focusing solely on the podium. Instead, embrace the process of submission, learning, and service. Master the mission, embody the vision, and show up with fierce loyalty. When the time comes to lead, you won't just be telling people what to do; you'll be showing them, and they will follow with conviction because they know you walked the path first.