In everyday life, we come across situations and events in which we must evaluate and take control of. These events include an element of followership, and potentially an element of leadership. When people go about their business, they agree to adhere to a set of rules put forth by the environment they are choosing to conduct business within. In order for people to complete the things that they are trying to do in that environment -- whether it be for pleasure, for work, or for other purposes -- they must adhere to the guidelines and be a follower. If that relationship of follower-leader trust is broken, the follower has chosen not to follow, and thus choosing not to continue with their business.

An example of this, which I encounter in my life on a daily basis, are classes in school. By enrolling as a student at the school, I have agreed to adhere to the rules set forth by those running the school. I see, from time to time, students who make fun of a teacher, or choose to do other inappropriate and uncalled for things while at the school. Because they have broken the system, they are now choosing not to follow, which in the long run, hurts nobody but themselves. This kind of disrespect shows that these students are no longer interested in the process which they have put themselves into. In order for the sytem to succeed, the teachers must be respected and followed in order to do well.

Throughout life, one must follow. There is no avoiding it. In progressing from school to the "real world" and throughout jobs, there will always be someone who is above and must be respected and followed. Attitude, discipline, and integrity all have a major role in this process.

Through one's attitude, what the person is feeling can easily be seen. For example, in my life I try to keep a positive attitude no matter what I'm feeling on the inside. By projecting the attitide that I am always looking on the bright side, those who are superiors, peers and subodinates, in all aspects of life, will notice it. Those whom I lead will mimic this attitude, and those who lead me will continue to be inspired to give me a positive attitude.

Integrity is extremely important to me. In my everyday life, I see people cheat, steal, and lie. This conveys a type of attitude to me that those people will not succeed in life. That theywill rely on other people to base their decisions. The observation that a great majority of the population does not have integrity bothers me. It shows that they cannot follow. As a follower, in order for my job -- whether it be at CAP, at school, at work, or in social life -- to be fulfilled, I must show that I can be trusted and do the job to the best of my honest ability.

Having discipline relates to integrity and attitude. Through my actions, I alone decide whether I have good discipline. In my life, I always keep discipline at the forefront. To me, this means doing what is right, knowing when to do certain things, and why I do them. It is the driving force that guides me, the discipline I have influences the way I follow. Without it, I would not be able to follow or lead.

I have my place as a follower and a leader in various aspects. By choosing to follow and adhere to a given code by my values, I am choosing to commit myself. As a respectful follower, I become a better leader, in which I can rely on those who follow me, because of the example I set.