Shoulders and Shadows

Quite often, we follow a successful leader, and it is said we are "filling our predecessor's shoes," or it is trumpeted that we are "continuing a lasting legacy." Often new leaders will claim boastfully to be "blazing new trails" in their new assignment. Most often though, we are said to be "standing on the shoulders" of those we follow in leadership.

However, the truth is that although we are standing on their shoulders, we are often operating in their shadow. Your success in following a le...