The Shi'i Religious Authority (Al-Marjaʿiyyah Al-Dīnīyyah) - An Introduction to the System of Marja'iyyah - STEPS Series 2 Episode 2 - Ahadith that Shape the Taqlid Mode

As the hadith are the secondary source of Islamic teachings, what does this body of text say about “following” others? Traditions seem to contradict each other in this area, so how do the senior scholars resolve this apparent inconsistency? Do we have examples in history of the Prophet or Imams encouraging their companions to guide others by issuing edicts?