How I Balance Leading and Following as a Volunteer
Volunteering has taught me that true impact comes from knowing when to lead and when to follow. Leadership is about stepping forward with initiative, offering direction, and supporting others with confidence. Following, on the other hand, is about listening, respecting others’ ideas, and contributing with humility.
I balance the two by first understanding the purpose of the activity and the strengths of the people involved. If I have the knowledge or skills to guide the team, I step into a leadership role with the aim of empowering others and ensuring tasks move forward. But if someone else has greater expertise or insight, I willingly take a step back, follow their lead, and support them to achieve the shared goal.
For me, leadership and followership are not opposites — they complement each other. By switching between the two roles depending on the situation, I help create an environment of teamwork, trust, and respect. This balance allows me to grow personally while making a greater contribution to the community we serve.