Jul 28, 2026
Leader mode:
- Operate declaratively (you state a goal, they autonomously make it happen)
- pull information (ie they ask a bunch of questions until they understand where your goal is coming from)
- tolerate a lot of ambiguity
- Have a broad range (can handle many different types of goals)
- Flexible (adjust methods depending on the goal)
- Can generate useful goals that fit into a coherent framework
Follower mode:
- imperative (need discrete tasks)
- Do what they’re good at and don’t care why a task exists
- Don’t do well with ambiguity, need precise instructions
- Typically narrow range and less flexible (very good at a few things and rarely venture out)
- Creative within the constraints of the task, but if they generate higher level goals those don’t fit into what’s needed
Both super valuable with competent ppl, but few can switch modes. Putting someone who can only operate in leader mode into a follower situation sets them up to crash, and vice versa.