If you’ve ever lived with a dog you know that they are pack animals. This means that like most people, they are much happier in a group than alone. And also like humans, not only do dogs long for companionship they also need a leader. In dog speak this leader is known as the Alpha dog.
Put a bunch of puppies in a room and it won’t be long before you start seeing which dogs are submissive by nature and which want to take on the Alpha dog role. This too is true of people. Some are natural born followers and others are meant to lead, comfortable shouldering responsibility and issuing orders.
The good news is that both followers and leaders are needed. The world couldn’t operate if everyone sat around waiting for direction. On the opposite extreme things would also grind to a halt if no one could hear what was going on because everyone was shouting orders that the rest were unwilling to follow. So it doesn’t make any difference which you are. What does make a difference is which leader you choose to follow or which path you choose to take your followers down.
If you are a follower by nature, that does not absolve you of the responsibility of making wise choices. If you are more the leader type you shoulder the responsibility of making sure that every decision is in the best interest of those you hold sway over. And don’t be surprised to note that in some circumstances you find yourself switching roles. At home you may be a leader to your younger brothers or sisters while at school you may be more of a follower among your friends.
Either way, never lose sight of the fact that you and your actions can play an important positive role in the lives of those around you. If you are a natural born follower and see that someone is pushing your friends down the wrong path, even though it forces you to step outside your comfort zone, you need to take action. Depending on the circumstances, your firm unwillingness to go along might just be enough. Or it may take talking to a trusted adult, rallying your other friends to strengthen your cause, or bringing in someone in authority to handle the situation.
If you are in a leadership position your best chance of being a good influence is to guide by example. Want your friends to learn honesty? Then don’t lie. Want to encourage good grades? Then study twice as hard and set the bar high. And as a leader one of the greatest gifts you can give those around you is to help them believe in themselves by showing them that you already do.
Throughout your life, as either the Alpha dog or part of the pack, when given the chance to make a difference in the lives of the people around you, decide right now that you will always be a beacon of light shining on the right path. You’ll never regret it.
“I think anytime you can affect people in general, in a positive way, then you’re a lucky individual.” Sam Elliot
“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” Napoleon Hill
“There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple and useful life.” Booker T. Washington
