Several years ago, I remember there was quite a bit of talk in the business world about “developing leadership skills” and determining whether or not a person was a natural leader or a natural follower. While it would seem that individuals who start their own home businesses might be natural leaders, I’m not entirely convinced that it matters when one is working from home at building a business.
I actually think that many of us are some of both–with the capability to be both leaders and followers. I think that adds to our flexibility and our ability to succeed and thrive in a variety of situations. While I believe I have pretty decently-developed leadership qualities and skills, I definitely don’t always need to be in charge or the big boss. As a matter of fact, running my own home business makes me much LESS interested in taking on extra responsibilities in volunteer projects, committees or boards than I used to when I was working in more traditional jobs. Since I “call all the shots” in my work, I kind of like being able to let someone else take the lead in other things and I can just be a follower and do a less stressful job.
Of course, taking the risk and starting a business does require that we be willing to take the lead on many fronts. We have to be able to guide and direct ourselves without being told what to do, and we have to be willing to step up and do whatever needs to be done. But some of those qualities make good team players and followers too. What do YOU think? Do you think that people who are stronger leaders or natural followers do better in running their own home businesses? Do you think it matters?
See Also: What Are the Characteristics of the Ideal Freelancer? and How Well Can You Adjust to Changes?