Christian Monö > Quotes

“if we look at followership as a complement to leadership, we’re likely to unintentionally adapt our theories so they fit our predetermined view of what a leader is.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“Leadership isn’t just a discipline; it’s a belief system. And like any belief system, it quietly shapes our thinking.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“We call politicians representatives in the spirit of democracy, yet many of us also refer to them as leaders, suggesting that we, the people, are expected to be led.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“Even if our intentions are good, the effects of our actions may be undesirable.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“Leadership is often described as the art of “inspiring,” “motivating,” or “empowering” others. Leaders are labelled “visionaries,” “catalysts,” and “change agents.” Although these words carry a positive connotation, the fundamental purpose remains the same—to influence the actions and mindset of others.
“When we try to influence someone, we attempt to affect or change their behaviour, thoughts, or development. Thus, one could argue that leadership is about controlling people but without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“A person can only be a leader if someone chooses to follow them.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“The only way to break free is to ask questions.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“We can’t have leaders without followers.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“It seems to me that we’re caught in a loop where our preoccupation with leadership amplifies our focus on it.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“While we might choose to ignore followership, it can't be avoided.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“Scholars must make both scientific and philosophical decisions when studying leadership. In other words, before they can begin their research, they must decide what they believe constitutes a leader. That will then define the basis of their research.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“Leadership isn’t just a discipline; it’s a belief system. And like any belief system, it quietly shapes our thinking. Even people with no interest in leadership carry certain preconceived ideas about leaders and followers.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“The idea that a single person is capable of altering mankind is common. It’s also wrong. Without support, people like Hitler, Stalin, and Mao would never have been able to gain power in the first place.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“It’s hard to reflect on the things we take for granted.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“A single person cannot start a war; others must, in one way or another, lend their support for a war to become a reality.”
― christian Monö

“If people can’t be entrusted to decide on important issues affecting their lives and their country, what’s the point of a democracy?”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership

“If we argue that a leader’s success is determined by how well they get others to perform, why do we focus on leadership and not followership? Why invest in a single individual and ignore everyone else when it’s the performance of the collective that matters? The only logical explanation is that we believe leaders can control the behaviour and actions of others.”
― Christian Monö, Why We Follow: Natural Followership in a World Obsessed with Leadership