The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

Ralph Nader’s quote flips the usual idea of leadership on its head. Most people think a leader’s job is to inspire loyalty, gain followers, and hold influence. But Nader argues that real leadership isn't about gathering people behind you—it's about lifting people up beside you.

This kind of leadership is rooted in empowerment. Instead of control, it’s about trust. Instead of creating dependence, it creates confidence. The true leader isn’t asking, “How can I get others to follow me?” but “How can I help others lead themselves?”

This challenges ego. It asks the leader to give away power, not hoard it. To listen, mentor, and step back—knowing that success is measured by how others grow, not how big your own platform becomes. In your own life, this might look like encouraging someone’s voice in a meeting, mentoring a friend, or even just asking good questions that help someone think for themselves. You don’t need a title to do that.

So ask yourself: Are you building followers—or future leaders? And what would it look like, today, to help someone else take the lead in their own life?