Followership: Definition and Key Insights

Are you offended when someone talks about being a good follower? I continue to hear that a great leader must also be able to follow, which is very accurate; however, we often need to pay more attention to the reality of following. Too many want followers to be obedient and loyal regardless of the integrity, honesty, and transparency of the leader or organization, which is just plain wrong.

A great leader knows when to lead from the front, lead from the back, or get out of the way so progress is made and structures are strengthened. When I encounter a leader who claims to know it all, I will either ignore, engage, or run in the opposite direction. There is seldom any possibility of coming to a healthy consensus.

Followership is a dynamic role involving willingness and ability to follow a leader. It encompasses behaviors, attitudes, and skills necessary for individuals to support and collaborate with leaders to achieve organizational goals effectively. Good followers are proactive and self-motivated, contributing to decision-making rather than passively taking orders.

10 Things Leaders and Followers Must Understand About Following! I have often written about these characteristics before.

Mutual Respect:

Leaders and followers, your relationship is not just about roles but mutual respect. Followers, your respect for the leader’s vision and authority is crucial. Leaders respecting the followers’ contributions and perspectives are equally important. This mutual respect forms the foundation of a strong leader-follower relationship.

Active Engagement:

Effective followership is not about passive obedience. It’s about active engagement. Followers, your participation in discussions, feedback, and contribution to ideas are vital. And leaders, your role is to encourage this engagement and create an environment where followers feel safe to express their thoughts. It’s this active engagement that makes the leader-follower relationship dynamic and effective.

Trust and Loyalty:

Trust is not just a word. It’s the cornerstone of the leader-follower relationship. For followers, trust in the leader’s best intentions is critical. Leaders, your reliability and integrity earn and maintain this trust. This trust and loyalty binds the leader and followers together in a strong, committed relationship.

Communication:

Clear and open communication is crucial. Followers should honestly communicate their needs, concerns, and suggestions. Leaders must be approachable and transparent, providing clear directions and feedback.

Accountability:

Both leaders and followers are accountable for their actions. Followers should take responsibility for their tasks and decisions, and leaders should hold themselves accountable for their team’s performance and well-being.

Continuous Learning:

Followership requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Followers should seek opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge, and leaders should provide mentorship and development opportunities to their followers.

Adaptability:

Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits for both leaders and followers. Followers should be willing to adjust their approaches as situations change, and leaders should be open to adapting their strategies based on feedback and evolving circumstances.

Support and Empowerment:

Leaders should empower followers by providing the necessary resources, support, and autonomy to succeed. Followers should support their leaders by executing tasks diligently and providing constructive feedback.

Alignment with Vision and Goals:

Followers must align their efforts with the leader’s vision and organizational goals. Leaders should ensure that their vision is clearly articulated and that followers understand their roles in achieving these goals.

Ethical Behavior:

Both leaders and followers must adhere to high ethical standards. Followers should act with integrity and honesty, while leaders should model ethical behavior and foster a culture of moral decision-making within the organization.

Understanding and implementing these principles can enhance the effectiveness of both leaders and followers, leading to a more productive and harmonious organizational environment.