Power only exists when people cooperate with it. When citizens follow poor leaders—obeying orders from the incompetent, excusing corruption, or ignoring self-interest—they surrender their authority. Without citizen cooperation, bad leaders collapse. With it, they endure.
History clearly shows this. Progress in Civil Rights didn’t come from compassionate government acts; it resulted from everyday citizens who refused to accept injustice. Across the world, communities have built their own healthcare, education, and relief systems when governments fall short. That isn’t rebellion — it’s leadership.
The pattern persists today. Ukrainians organize mutual aid to survive the war. In Gaza, citizens try to provide food and shelter where institutions fall short. In the United States, grassroots movements push back against division and demand accountability. Whenever official leadership falters, people must rise.
Every time you shrug and accept bad leadership, you keep it going. Every time you excuse incompetence or sacrifice your values for convenience, you allow the unqualified to hold onto power. That’s compliance—and it weakens integrity.
Ask yourself: Where in your life have you been propping up the unqualified?
The alternative is found in everyday leadership. Don’t wait for someone “in charge.” Take responsibility yourself. Organize your community. Expose corruption. Protest peacefully. Educate others. Protect each other. Make good trouble. Withdraw your cooperation from leaders who have proven they don’t deserve it. In other words, stop feeding Leadership Drift in your world. Take the reins.
Leaders take action. The world doesn’t need more spectators supporting the unqualified; it needs everyday leaders—people like you—ready to stop following and start leading.
Withdraw your cooperation. Don’t wait for someone else to empower you. Reclaim your power. Lead the way.
For practical guidance on navigating uncertainty and taking decisive action in your life and work, explore Navigating Chaos.
Karl Bimshas is the Leadership Strategist and Author who stops leadership drift in mid-career professionals, restoring clarity, confidence, and accountability through the Karl Bimshas Leadership System.
