Don’t surround yourself with followers who cost too much. When you try to expand your entourage, you risk limiting your resources. By “costly,” I don’t just mean those who drain your finances, but also those who demand too much of your time and patience with their constant requests. Regular followers should expect no more than your support, guidance, and protection when wronged.
Avoid followers who join you out of spite for someone else. These types often bring conflict into your relationships, creating tension between powerful people. Similarly, beware of followers who act like your personal cheerleaders, loudly praising you to others. While it might feel flattering, they tend to leak secrets and stir envy, harming your reputation.
Another type to watch out for are spies—those who snoop into your private affairs and gossip about them. Oddly enough, such people can become favourites because they seem helpful, exchanging stories and performing small tasks. Even so, they are dangerous and untrustworthy.
There is a kind of follower, though, that is more acceptable—those who share your profession or interests. For example, soldiers might follow a leader with military experience. This can work well in monarchies and other structured societies, as long as it’s not overdone with pomp and popularity.
The most honourable followers, however, are those drawn to a leader who promotes virtue and rewards merit. Even then, when choosing between equally capable people, it’s often wiser to select the more agreeable one rather than the more talented. In troubled times, practical and active individuals are often more valuable than those with virtuous ideals.
In governance, it’s wise to treat people of the same rank equally. Favouring one too much can make them arrogant and leave others resentful. But when it comes to granting personal favour, showing clear preference can be useful—it makes those chosen more grateful and motivates others to work harder, hoping for the same reward.
Be cautious about over-praising someone at the start, as it’s difficult to maintain such attention. Relying too heavily on one individual is risky; it shows weakness and opens you to criticism. People might not criticise you directly, but they’ll attack your reputation through those close to you. On the other hand, spreading your attention too thin among many advisors can make you indecisive and inconsistent.
It’s best to consult a small, trusted group of friends. Outsiders often have a clearer perspective than those involved in the situation—like how a valley gives the best view of a hill. True friendship is rare, and even rarer among equals. Genuine friendship tends to exist between people of unequal status, where one’s success can encompass the other’s.
Bacon Blueprint 