In the ongoing debate between leaders and followers, a fundamental question arises: Who should take the first step toward change?
To explore this, imagine a tree that is not thriving. We can’t blame the fruits without examining the roots. In the same way, we can’t expect flourishing leadership without strong, healthy followership.
In my view, society is like a tree: leaders represent the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits — visible and celebrated. Followers, though hidden like the roots, provide the nourishment. Just as a tree draws water and nutrients from the soil through its roots, leaders draw strength, character, and direction from the people they serve.
When a tree is lush and its fruits sweet, we marvel. But when it withers, we often blame the visible parts, forgetting the roots beneath the surface. This reflects how society responds to leadership: quick to praise or blame, but slow to examine the deeper foundation — the values, voice, and vigilance of the people.
So, can a leader truly possess foresight, character, and integrity in isolation? Or are these qualities cultivated over time, by the soil from which they grow?
Followers — citizens, team members, communities — must recognize their power and responsibility. They are not just recipients of sunlight and direction; they are providers of nutrients and strength. Their engagement, integrity, and collective action lay the foundation for meaningful leadership.
As the roots support the tree, so must followers support, shape, and sometimes correct their leaders. A thriving nation or organization is one where both roots and branches perform their roles in harmony.
Let us remember:
“For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heatmeth, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” – Jeremiah 17: 8
In seasons of challenge, our strength lies in our roots.
This is my heartfelt belief. Leadership begins underground.
By Ope Adekeye, Lagos.
