Following

When you see a leader driving their organization off a cliff, one must do two things: the first, as Napoleon said, "when you see your enemy making a mistake, do not interrupt them," and the second thing to do is watch the inevitable from the sidelines.

Following is a common trend where people imitate the actions, thoughts, and tastes of others without questioning them. This attitude can limit our ability to think independently and make decisions based on our own beliefs, experiences, and values. It is easier to listen and follow than to ask questions that might make us rethink our following.

Rollo May, an American psychologist and psychotherapist, once said: "Most people are not willing to accept the responsibility of being individuals. They prefer to follow the crowd." Following can arise from conviction, feeling, or pure opportunism; all of which are detrimental both collectively and personally.

Examples of following. Let's start with the lightest: fashion. Many people follow popular trends without considering if they really like the clothes they buy. This prevents them from developing a unique and authentic style that reflects their personality. Social media also contributes to this phenomenon.

The so-called influencers create isolated realities where human contact is scarce. This not only distances us from reality but can also lead to misinformation and superficiality in our connections. Following at work also has negative consequences. It often creates unnecessary conflicts within a company. Although it is a trend inherent to human nature, it is important to recognize its harmful effects.

Regarding political following, this can be the most harmful. Blind partisanship means that a voter supports a political party without analyzing or questioning its actions or direction. Unfortunately, we are seeing examples of this today. A party that does not reconsider its decisions is doomed to failure. We could say it would be committing 'political harakiri,' although harakiri involves an honorable death. A party that does not put its potential at the general service but at the service of one person is destined to fail.

Finally, religious following can have even more tragic consequences. Remember the case of the sect in Guyana known as The People's Temple. Following their leader Jim Jones's instructions, nine hundred thirteen people committed suicide with cyanide. This is an extreme example of following a leader without questioning their intentions or objectives.

We must combat this way of being carried away by external ideas or behaviors. Encouraging questioning is vital for developing a broader perspective. In the art world, artists often break with established conventions, causing the viewer to ask: "What did the artist want to convey?" or "What led them to create that work?"

It is essential to promote individuality and autonomy to counteract the negative effects of following in our society. Albert Einstein said: "The mind is like a parachute. It only works if it opens." Encouraging people to think for themselves, question established norms, and explore their own interests can help cultivate diversity and creativity. It is important to be aware of the dangers of following and work together to promote individuality and autonomy.

When we talk about individualities, we refer to the ability to belong to a large group for an idea, cause, or similarity of thought while maintaining one's own criteria. This richness of thought can enrich both oneself and others. However, this is where organizations often find resistance in accepting internal currents.

Following is a trend that, although it may seem harmless in its lighter forms, has the potential to become a dangerous and destructive phenomenon. Promoting individuality, critical thinking, and autonomy is key to building a more diverse and creative society.