Lead or Follow - What comes first?

When we think about leadership, it often conjures images of taking charge, blazing trails, and making bold decisions. Yet, the journey to becoming a great leader often starts with learning to follow. Mahatma Gandhi once said,

"There go my people. I must follow them, for I am their leader."

This quote beautifully encapsulates a paradoxical truth: leadership isn't just about being at the forefront but mastering the balance between leading and following.

The most influential leaders first learned to listen, observe, and understand the dynamics of those they followed. A true leader knows when to step back, when to support, and when to lead with purpose. This insight was powerfully reinforced during my recent trip to Africa, where the experiences I encountered left me with a deep sense of humility, gratitude, and a fresh perspective on what it means to follow before you lead.

Humble - Lessons from the Safari Guides

The humility of our safari guides was both inspiring and eye-opening. Each guide demonstrated an intrinsic love for their work, a dedication that transcended the idea of a 'job.' When I asked them what makes a great safari guide in one to three words, their answers were revealing:

• Ken (Nairobi National Park): Calm, Knowledge, Passion

• Eric (Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara): Disciplined, Determined, Efficient

• Edwin (Elephant Orphanage, The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust): Natural Love, Positive

Their words reflected a deep understanding and respect for the environment and the animals they protect. This humility in leadership is a reminder that great leaders don't always have to be the loudest voice in the room; sometimes, they lead by quietly exemplifying their values through actions.

Grateful - Wisdom from Eric

Eric, our guide from Visit Africa, shared a philosophy that resonated deeply with me:

"When water hits a rock, it always finds another way around it."

This metaphor beautifully encapsulates resilience and adaptability - qualities as crucial in leadership as they are in nature.

When I asked Eric which animal best represents his personality, he chose the leopard. He admired the leopard's calm, calculated approach to challenges, reflecting his leadership style. His ability to stay composed and thoughtful, even in the face of obstacles, left me profoundly grateful for his guidance and wisdom throughout our journey.

Perspective - The Zebra's Unique Stripes

The zebra quickly became my favorite animal on the trip. Each one has a unique pattern, much like our fingerprints. Even after seeing hundreds by the end of the journey, I remained mesmerized by their beauty. The excitement of spotting the first one never faded.

Fun trivia question:

Is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes?

The answer is black skin with white stripes.

Each individual I encountered on this tour had a distinct story, much like the unique stripes of a zebra. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my empathy. As the trip progressed, I became even more captivated by the diversity of these stories, each adding to the rich tapestry of my journey.

One young woman, Nicole, left a lasting impression on me. She aspires to be a tennis coach to fund her legal studies and fight corruption in her hometown. Despite not always being seen or heard, she observes everything with a quiet strength and determination. When she asked me,

"What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?"

it struck me how much perspective matters in shaping our paths.

Coach TIP: Ask yourself, "What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?" and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

I told Nicole that I would tell my 17-year-old self to stop worrying so much about other people's opinions. If you want to change your life, create that change yourself by taking action.

Finally, I'd like to give special mention to Coach Liz Odera ( Elizabeth Odera, PhD PMP?,HSC, Medal of Honor, Hall of Fame ) - an absolute game changer and true ambassador for empowering the people of Africa. I am incredibly grateful to Liz for organizing our Tennis Safari Experience and the Women of Kenya Empowerment evening. You can listen to Liz’s story on The Coaching Podcast by clicking the link here.

Thank you to my great friend and incredible coach, Judy Murray, who graciously shared her story and expertise with coaches and kids from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania. A big shoutout as well to TC4A expert, Tina Samara , who educated students and parents about the U.S. college pathway.

Enjoy your coaching, following, and leading!

Emma Doyle (Coach EM)

PCC, NLP, EI, Cert IV Training and Assessing, Leader as Coach

Thank you to all of your generous donations providing equipment and opportunities to under-resourced children, coaches, and women of Kenya. Special mention to Joe Dinoffer and Kalindi Dinoffer from OnCourt OffCourt, Ltd. and Juan Diego Cuadrado from the team at @WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO. You can still donate to supporting Sadili Oval and the mission work that Liz Odera is doing to change the lives of young people and coaches in Kenya here.