Before You Lead, You Have to Follow
You say you’re struggling to lead.
You’re doing your best, but people aren’t responding.
You’re wearing the “leader” title, but deep down… you feel like a follower pretending to be in charge.
I’ve been there.
And I’ll tell you what I wish someone told me back then:
Before you become a leader, you have to be a follower first.
Not just by title. Not just by task.
But in heart. In humility. In hunger to learn.
The Best Leaders Start on the Ground
I didn’t become a leader by giving orders.
I became one by carrying chairs before holding the mic, by showing up even when no one clapped, by learning in the shadows before speaking on the stage.
Leadership didn’t happen when I was called “President.”
It happened when I fixed the small things no one noticed.
When I served with a full heart—even when no one was watching.
Looking back, all the roles that shaped me most were numerous. They included program development head, news department head, several program lead roles, vice president education, vice president public relations, hybrid host, and club president. These roles were built on one foundation: faithful following.
The Quiet Decision That Changed My Life
Right after I graduated from a prestigious university, I could’ve aimed for big roles right away.
But you know what I did instead?
I started small—on purpose.
Because I believed something different:
If I could learn everything I could, be excellent where I was, and give my best in the moment—I would grow. I would get better. I would work my way up.
So I chose to become a call center agent.
Outbound sales. Cold calls. Night shifts.
Not exactly a dream job on paper—but I saw it as my training ground.
I wanted to hone my English communication skills, yes.
But what I didn’t expect was to learn something much deeper from working in what was arguably the most challenging industry for fresh grads back then.
I learned resilience.
I learned Positive Mental Attitude—a real thing they drilled into us every day.
You don’t dwell on rejection.
You just go to the next call.
And the next.
And the next—until you close the deal.
That experience taught me how to bounce back fast.
To hear “no” without taking it personally.
To keep showing up, even when I was exhausted or discouraged.
That wasn’t weakness. That was wisdom.
And now?
It’s been a long road… but I’m still here.
Still learning. Still standing. Still speaking.
Still keeping on going.
If You’re in the Middle, You’re in the Making
If you’re not sure whether you’re a leader or a follower right now, don’t panic.
You’re not failing—you’re becoming.
You’re in the middle.
Where real growth happens.
Where ego dies. Where character is built.
So no, you don’t have to lead loudly.
You don’t have to perform for approval.
You just have to show up—with truth, humility, and intention.
Because this world doesn’t need another polished leader.
It needs you.
Clear, grounded, servant-hearted you.
Keep Showing Up
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to start where you are.
Follow well.
Serve with excellence.
Lead when it’s time.
And through it all—Keep Going.
You’re doing better than you think.
❤️ Let’s Keep Going—Together
If this spoke to your heart, I’d love to hear from you.
Share it with a fellow growth-seeker.
And don’t forget: you’re not behind. You’re being built.
🔁 Come back to this whenever you need a reminder of who you’re becoming.
With grit and grace,
—Sheryl
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