APSC CCE Mains PYQ 2020, Essay Paper: Being a leader is great, but being a good follower is greater still
Many aspirants treat the APSC Essay paper as a game of luck, hoping for a “common” topic to appear. But a deep dive into the archives tells a different story. From the philosophical depth of the 2020 papers to the tech-heavy debates of 2024, the Essay paper isn’t a test of your memory—it’s a test of your perspective. In this post, we’re moving beyond just listing old questions. We are deconstructing the recurring themes, the “Assam-specific” weightage, and how you can use the past to predict your future success in the Mains
Here is a structured, detailed look at how to approach this topic.
APSC Mains Essay Paper, 2020: Being a leader is great, but being a good follower is greater still
Model Answer:
The traditional narrative of success is often written in the language of command and the pursuit of the spotlight. From a young age, individuals are encouraged to aspire to leadership, to be the “captain of the ship,” and to occupy the seat of authority. However, this focus on the apex of the hierarchy often obscures a fundamental truth of human cooperation: no leader can exist without a collective, and no vision can be realized without those who have the discipline and humility to follow. The statement that being a leader is great, but being a good follower is greater still, challenges the modern obsession with ego-driven titles. It suggests that “followership” is not a state of submission but a high-level skill characterized by loyalty, critical thinking, and a commitment to a cause larger than oneself. To understand why the art of following is the true foundation of progress, we must analyze it through the lenses of organizational synergy, personal character, and the ethical “Dharma” of service.
Historically, the most significant transformations in human society have been the result of “exemplary followership.” While history books often highlight a single name—a king, a general, or a revolutionary—the actual “momentum” of change was generated by thousands of individuals who chose to align their actions with a shared goal. In the history of Assam, the legendary bravery of the Ahom army against the Mughal invasions was not just a result of the genius of Lachit Borphukan; it was the result of the “disciplined followership” of soldiers who understood their roles and trusted the collective strategy. A leader provides the spark, but the followers provide the fuel. The greatness of the follower lies in their ability to suppress the “individual ego” for the “collective victory,” a feat that is often more difficult than giving orders.
Psychologically, being a good follower requires a level of “emotional intelligence” and “self-regulation” that many leaders lack. It involves the ability to support a vision while maintaining the courage to offer constructive dissent when necessary. A “passive follower” simply obeys, but a “good follower” actively engages. This requires the “humility” to accept a secondary role and the “integrity” to perform that role with excellence. In the modern world, where everyone wants to be an “influencer” or a “pioneer,” the choice to be a dedicated team member is a rare and virtuous act. It is the “psychological anchor” of any group, providing the stability and reliability that allow a leader to take risks.
If we look through a sectoral lens, particularly in the realm of professional and corporate environments, the value of the “good follower” is indispensable. No matter how brilliant a CEO or a manager may be, their success is entirely dependent on the execution by their team. A good follower is one who takes “ownership” of their task, anticipates needs, and works collaboratively without the need for constant recognition. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (SDG 8), where productivity is a result of harmonious teamwork. In the high-pressure environment of competitive exams like the UPSC or APSC, even the best “leaders” in the making must first be “good followers” of a rigorous curriculum and the guidance of experienced mentors.
The socio-economic dimension of followership focuses on the concept of “Social Cohesion.” A society where everyone wants to lead but no one wants to follow becomes a space of “cacophony and chaos.” True progress happens when there is a “shared rhythm.” When citizens follow the laws, support public health initiatives, and participate in community service, they are practicing “civic followership.” This is the “social glue” that holds a nation together. The “greatness” of this role lies in its “silent impact.” A leader’s impact is visible and celebrated, but a follower’s impact is felt in the “smooth functioning” of everyday life. It is the transition from “individual ambition” to “communal contribution.”
Furthermore, the “Dharma” of a good follower involves the “ethics of loyalty.” Loyalty in this context is not “blind obedience” but “principled commitment.” A good follower is the “conscience” of the leader. When a leader veers off the path of ethics, it is the responsible follower who speaks truth to power. This “courageous followership” is essential for the health of any democracy or institution. In our local cultural context, the philosophy of “Sewa” or service, emphasized by the Great Saints of Assam, teaches us that the highest form of human existence is to be a “servant of the community.” In this worldview, the “bhakat” or the devotee—the ultimate follower—occupies a spiritual position that is often considered superior to that of the worldly ruler.
From an administrative perspective, the “followership-leadership” dynamic is a fluid one. A good leader is almost always someone who was once an exceptional follower. By learning how to take direction, how to handle “structural constraints,” and how to support peers, one develops the “empathy” required to eventually lead. For a civil service aspirant, the ability to follow the “rule of law” and “administrative protocols” is the first step toward becoming a leader who can effectively govern. The greatness of followership is that it is the “training ground” for all other virtues.
Ethically, the focus on followership is a challenge to the “cult of personality.” We live in an age where the “leader” is often deified, leading to “authoritarianism” or “groupthink.” Elevating the role of the follower acts as a “democratic check.” It reminds us that the power of a leader is “delegated” by the followers. Without the “consent and cooperation” of the followers, a leader’s power is an empty shell. Therefore, the “moral weight” of a follower is immense. They are the ones who decide which visions are worth following and which leaders are worthy of support.
The “inter-paragraph linkage” of our national progress suggests that we must move toward a “followership culture” that prizes “excellence in every role.” Whether one is a clerk in a government office, a student in a university, or a worker in a factory, performing that role with “integrity and industry” is a great act. We must stop viewing the “follower” as a “loser” and start seeing them as a “cornerstone.” As we move toward a “Viksit Bharat,” our success will depend on the “millions of hands” that work behind the scenes, far from the cameras and the podiums.
In conclusion, being a leader is an exercise in “vision,” but being a good follower is an exercise in “character.” Leadership is great because it directs, but followership is greater because it “sustains.” One provides the “map,” but the other “walks the path.” In a world that is obsessed with the “I,” the good follower represents the power of the “We.” It is a role defined by “quiet strength,” “unwavering reliability,” and “selfless dedication.”
As we look toward the horizon of our collective future, let us celebrate the “architects of the background.” We must realize that the “improvements of tomorrow” are being built today by those who are content to follow a “noble cause” with all their heart. In the spirit of our heritage, which teaches us that “service to man is service to God,” let us strive to be “excellent in our support.” Let us ensure that our journey remains “blessed and virtuous” by honoring the “art of following” as much as the “ambition of leading.” Only when we value the “foundation” as much as the “pinnacle” will our national structure be truly unshakable. In the words of the great thinkers, “He who cannot follow, cannot lead.” By mastering the “greatness of the follower,” we unlock the “greatness of the nation.”
✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
