Not everyone is born to be a leader, and that’s perfectly okay!
While there’s a bit of a negative connotation on the word “follower,” it’s pretty unfair. After all, some people are just better suited to take direction than give it, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you relate to any of the following, chances are you’re in the latter camp — don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it!
1. You’re more comfortable when given clear instructions.
When it comes to tasks or projects, having a detailed plan from someone else gives you peace of mind. Figuring things out on your own feels overwhelming, and you’d rather have a clear set of steps to follow. While this can help you stay focused, it also means you’re not used to taking the initiative, which is a key part of leadership.
2. Making decisions that affect other people feels stressful.
When faced with choices that could impact the people around you, you feel anxious. Whether it’s a big career move or something smaller, you’d rather let someone else handle the responsibility. This hesitation shows that the weight of leadership decisions is something you’re not comfortable with—and that’s fine! Not everyone wants to be in that position.
3. You tend to need other people’s approval before moving forward with ideas.
Even if you have a solid plan, you hesitate to act without getting reassurance from other people. This need for validation can slow you down and make it harder to trust your gut, which is a challenge for anyone stepping into a leadership role. It also means you’re likely to second-guess yourself, another sign you’re happier following someone else’s lead.
4. You avoid confrontation like the plague.
Disagreements make you deeply uncomfortable, and you’d rather keep the peace than dive into a tough conversation. While avoiding conflict might seem like a safe option, it also means you’re missing out on opportunities to resolve issues that could lead to growth. Leaders often have to face tough conversations head-on, so avoiding them is a clear indicator that leadership isn’t your comfort zone.
5. You’d rather blend in than stand out.
Being in the spotlight just isn’t your thing. You’re happiest when you can work quietly in the background, without drawing too much attention to yourself. While blending in can be a strength in some settings, it can hold you back in leadership roles where visibility and assertiveness are key.
6. Delegating tasks makes you uncomfortable.
When you’re working with a group, you find it hard to delegate. You might worry about bothering people or believe it’s easier to do things yourself. While that might work for solo projects, leadership requires the ability to assign tasks and trust other people to get the job done. Struggling to delegate is a clear sign you’re more comfortable as part of the team, not the one leading it.
7. You’re overly concerned with what other people think of you.
Your decisions are often influenced by how you think other people will perceive you. You worry about being liked and fitting in, which makes it hard to take bold or unpopular stances—a key aspect of leadership. Being overly concerned with opinions can prevent you from making confident, independent choices.
8. You rarely speak up in meetings or group discussions.
Source: Unsplash Even when you have something valuable to contribute, you often hold back and let everyone else do the talking. Staying quiet might seem polite, but it can make it harder for other people to see you as leadership material. Speaking up is crucial for leaders, so if you prefer staying in the background, you’re likely more comfortable following.
9. Giving constructive feedback makes you nervous.
Source: Unsplash You find it hard to give feedback, especially if it’s critical. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or create tension, so you often avoid these conversations altogether. Leadership, though, often requires giving feedback to help people grow, and avoiding it can make it tough to manage teams effectively.
10. You’re more reactive than proactive at work.
Source: Unsplash Instead of planning ahead or anticipating problems, you tend to wait for things to happen and then respond. While you might handle crises well in the moment, leadership requires being proactive, spotting issues before they arise, and steering projects toward success. A reactive approach can make you seem less prepared or organised.
11. Setting and enforcing boundaries is tough for you.
Saying no and setting limits can feel really challenging. You want to be accommodating and helpful, but that often leaves you feeling overextended. Leaders need to set clear boundaries to maintain balance and ensure their own well-being, so if this is a struggle, you’re probably more suited to following someone else’s lead.
12. You’re uncomfortable with taking risks.
Playing it safe is more your speed. The thought of making risky moves makes you nervous, even if the potential rewards are high. Leaders, however, often have to take calculated risks to drive innovation and growth. Your preference for staying in your comfort zone suggests leadership isn’t your ideal role.
13. Motivating other people doesn’t come naturally.
You might find it awkward or hard to rally people behind a goal or project. Inspiring and motivating a team is a big part of leadership, and if you struggle with this, it can make leading a group more challenging. You’re likely more comfortable working alongside other people rather than being the one to energise the team.
14. You doubt your own abilities and potential.
Self-doubt frequently creeps in, making you second-guess your decisions and skills. While a little self-doubt is normal, leaders need to project confidence and make decisions with conviction. If you find yourself constantly questioning your abilities, it might be a sign that leadership roles aren’t your natural fit—at least not yet.
