Lead, Follow, or Wiggle Sideways

Once upon a real-life time, in a house filled with laughter, chaos, and cousins climbing over furniture like monkeys on sugar rush, I was crowned—by no one in particular—the leader. “Let’s build a tent with bedsheets and declare war on the boys!” I’d say, and the next minute, we’d be marching with broomsticks. Leadership, they say, is born in bunk beds.

Fast-forward to school: I wore the Head Girl badge like a crown, not because I was the smartest, but because I could talk a tornado into calmness. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and convinces the whole class the way includes snacks,” I’d say.

In office, leading a team of 20 was like managing a buffet at a toddler’s birthday party—everyone wanted something different, and someone always cried. Yet, I thrived. Why? Because I led with empathy, humor, and an Excel sheet that somehow never broke.

At home, motherhood turned me into a general of the smallest, cutest army. “Brush your teeth!” I yell with the authority of a drill sergeant and the hope of a tired panda.

But here’s the twist: sometimes, I do follow. When I see grace, kindness, or wisdom in someone, I walk behind them without shame. Because, “A true leader knows when to step back and clap.”

Leadership isn’t always about standing in front. Sometimes, it’s dancing in the middle, or cheering from behind. It’s about knowing when to roar and when to nod.

Thought to ponder:
“In a world that tells you to lead or follow, be the one who dances sideways—sometimes leading, sometimes following, but always moving to your own rhythm.”

Now go on—lead the parade or clap from the sidewalk. Just don’t forget to enjoy the confetti.