A lot of bumper stickers may make me smile (or even roll my eyes), but it’s rare that one makes me stop and think. Okay, so I didn’t literally stop (because I was driving) but I did think. In fact, I’m still thinking about it.

Yes, the bumper sticker was probably a political statement (Colorado has a growing Libertarian following) but I couldn’t help thinking how many other things the statement applies to. The fact is, people will follow whoever is leading. If we’re not happy about who’s leading, then we can step up and start to lead, instead of pissing and moaning about it.

I have said for many years that we vote with our dollars. If you don’t like something a company is doing, you must speak up with your dollars. You can’t say “I hate Walmart” and then continue to shop there and spend your money there, all the while being frustrated that it’s not changing to what you want. Every dollar you spend is a vote that says “Yes, I support you.” Hey, I’m not suggesting doing an in-depth due diligence every time you buy a coffee (although I know people who do; it’s just that they have a lot more free time than I do) but if I am spending substantial amounts of money (either all at once or over time), I’m going to think about where it’s ultimately going. But an equally important way to be heard and counted is with your VOICE. Yes, sometimes leadership is as simple as speaking up.

Here’s a personal example.

My *cough*-year high school reunion is coming up this year. The organizers put together a Facebook page so we could stay in touch and know about events, etc. that are coming up. They (smartly) posed a question on the page that said: “Please give us your input as to which date y’all would prefer for our 25 year reunion?!? [LOCATION NAME] has the following open dates: July 18, 24, 31 & all open days in August. Speak up!!”

And the people responded.

We almost unanimously spoke up for the assorted dates in July. I suggested that August was difficult because a) kids get back to school and b) it’s THE hottest fricking month of the year in New Orleans. Seriously. July is bad, but August is even worse. Many people publicly agreed with me about a) (and silently about b).

So imagine our surprise to see an announcement on that same Facebook page that says the reunion will be on August 15th.

Um, excuse me? WTH?

What followed was an immediate series of comments (including mine) to the tune of “Sorry, can’t make it, thought we were going with the overwhelming majority preference of July.”

The people led.

Within minutes, the leaders followed.

The date was changed to July 31st and I booked my flight. Cheers were posted.

The people have spoken. What’s the moral of this story?

1. Lead, people. Lead with your ideas, your voices, and your dollars.

2. If you’re going to ask people for their opinion, for pete’s sake, do not do the exact opposite of what they tell you.

3. Do not underestimate the power of the people!

4. YOU are a leader. So quit acting like you’re not.

Lead, people. Then watch what happens. The leaders will follow.

Go for it.