Would You Follow You?
By Adriene Russell
Posted April 10, 2025
Self-reflection is key
We often think of leadership as forward-focused—but some of the most important growth comes from looking inward.
This reflection offers a gut-check moment: not about who you want to be as a leader, but who you actually are today. If you're brave enough to ask, "Would I want to work for me?"—this article is for you.
“Are you someone you’d want your son or daughter to follow at work?”
– John C. Maxwell
Leadership often calls us to look ahead—to dream, to plan, to grow. But every so often, we need to stop and ask a more immediate question:
What kind of leader am I right now?
Not the leader I was last year. Not the leader I hope to become. The leader I am in this moment—under today’s pressure, with today’s demands.
A Personal Reality Check
I’ve had to ask myself that question more than once.
In my first leadership role, I was insecure and lacked confidence. Unfortunately, that showed up in my leadership—I became overly bold, demanding, and directive. Looking back, I know I would not have wanted to follow me. It was a hard lesson that humbled me and shaped the way I lead today.
And even after years of growth, I’ve found myself slipping back into those old patterns under pressure. Moments where I stopped listening, barked out directions, and lost sight of the values I truly care about. In those times, I’ve had to own it—sometimes even apologize—because again, I wouldn’t want to follow that version of myself.
It’s been a humbling reminder that leadership isn’t just about knowing what’s right. It’s about living it—consistently.
What Is It Like to Be on the Other Side of You?
John Maxwell’s question challenges us to shift our perspective:
“What is it like to be on the other side of me?”
It moves us from intention to impact.
No matter how solid our values are in theory, we have to ask:
• Am I showing up with those values today?
• Do people experience the leader I mean to be, or something different?
• Is my leadership marked by clarity, humility, and consistency—or by pressure and reaction?
Would You Want Your Kids to Work for You?
Maxwell recently asked another powerful question:
“Are you someone you’d want your son or daughter to follow at work?”
That one hits home.
It’s not about your title or track record. It’s about the experience you’re creating for those you lead—especially when things get hard. Would you trust your child to grow under that kind of leadership?
Would you trust yourself to lead them well?
A Challenge for Today
Today, take a breath and check in with yourself:
• Would I want to work for me right now?
• Would I be proud for my child—or anyone I love—to work under my leadership?
• Am I truly living out the leadership values I say I believe in?
If the answer is no, you’re not alone. But awareness is where growth begins.
Because great leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, consistency, and the courage to course-correct.
Call to action
Leadership growth starts with honest reflection—and sometimes, a little support to help you course-correct. If you're ready to align who you are with how you lead, let’s talk.
Schedule a coaching conversation and reconnect with the leader you truly want to be.
Navigating other insights
© 2025 Next Level Training Strategies, LLC. All rights reserved.
Performance First™ is a trademark of Next Level Training Strategies, LLC.
Maxwell Leadership® content used by permission. All rights reserved by The John Maxwell Company.
No part of this website may be copied, reproduced, or distributed without express written permission.