As a very obedient child, I was mostly a good follower. Was that good or not so good?
For the most part that was good because I was led by loving, good people who gave me a welcoming healthy home, good education, and countless positive opportunities to learn and enjoy life.
There came a time when I let go of my obedient ways and contested the environment around me. That started when the world around me stopped matching my values and outlook. It was a time when I recognized many arenas of oppression that held me back in my religion, profession, and community. I became more outspoken and less obedient in the face of these dehumanizing ways.
Now, long after those early days of disobedience, I have a good idea about where I want to be an obedient follower and where I want to be outspoken and disobedient.
I want to be a good follower and team player in arenas where others are leading with expertise and capacity that I don't have. For example, a family member is in charge of a financial/legal situation. I am not experienced in this situation while my family member is skilled at this--I will follow his lead here. I like to be well-led by well meaning, capable, committed leaders who know what they are talking about and who have the best interests of all with regard to their leadership.
On the other hand, I will continue to be outspoken in arenas that hold others back and act in dehumanizing ways. I won't kowtow to leaders who harm and hurt us.
It's okay to be a good follower and in fact it is often advantageous to a good cause or endeavor to be a good follower. It's also okay to turn your back on dehumanizing, harmful leaders--that's the right thing to do. We're all both followers and leaders in life, and finding that right balance is good for us and good for others. Onward.