Alan, thanks for the great post. Words have meaning. I don't like the use of the word "follower" for the very reasons you articulate. It implies passivity and reaction. When someone chooses to take a role that positionally isn't the leadership position, they still should lead.  You're qualities above are very similar to what we consider to be the behaviors of a character-based leader: someone who leads from who they are rather than their power or position.

So it's no excuse to abandon leadership simply because we're not in the position of leadership.  Thanks for the challenging post. Mike...