Lead, follow, or get out of the way

When I was in NROTC, the instructor in one of my leadership classes said something that has stuck with me for a long time:

"Lead, follow, or get out of the way."

In a high stakes environment like combat, staying stagnant and doing nothing is the worst thing you can do, so you need to be leading the charge, following the orders of a leader, or at the very least, not interfering.

I think this also holds true with your career.

If you're working a job and you're not leading a work stream or some important project or following the direction of another leader/boss, then you need to get out of the way.

The thing is you won't stay employed for long if you're doing nothing.

If you're not interested in either leading OR following any work streams for your employer, you need to make a plan to quit and do something else.

Staying stagnant will kill your career and your morale.

Going 1099 is one way to become a leader of your own career. Even though you're not commanding troops in battle, you will become self-directed and lead yourself.

Now, I'm off to get one of those cheesy motivational posters with a kitten and that quote printed on it...

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.