"The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are." - John C. Maxwell
When we think about leadership, we often focus on the qualities and characteristics of those who lead. We look for individuals who possess a certain charisma, vision, and confidence and can inspire and guide others toward a common goal. However, we often fail to recognize that effective leadership requires more than just strong leaders; it also requires skilled and engaged followers.
Followership is the act of actively and intelligently supporting and engaging with leaders in pursuit of a shared vision or goal. Effective followership is as important as effective leadership and is essential for success in any team or organization.
Here are some reasons why followership is just as crucial as leadership:
1- Leaders can't do it alone
No matter how skilled or capable a leader may be, they cannot achieve success without the support and engagement of their followers. Leaders need followers who are willing to actively participate in pursuing a shared vision or goal and who can provide valuable insights, feedback, and ideas along the way.
2- Followers bring unique skills and perspectives to the table
Effective followers are not passive or submissive; they are active and engaged participants who bring unique skills and perspectives to the table. By actively contributing their ideas, insights, and expertise, followers can help leaders make more informed decisions and achieve better outcomes.
3- Followers can help leaders stay grounded and accountable
Leaders are often under immense pressure to succeed and may become insulated from the realities of the people they are leading. Effective followers can help leaders stay grounded and accountable by providing honest feedback, challenging assumptions, and holding leaders to high standards.
4- Effective followership creates a culture of collaboration and trust
When followers actively pursue a shared vision or goal, it creates a culture of collaboration and trust within the team or organization. It can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and productivity, as well as greater job satisfaction and retention among team members.
So, what does effective followership look like in practice? Here are some characteristics of effective followers:
A- Active participation
Effective followers are not passive or submissive. They actively participate in the pursuit of a shared vision or goal and contribute their ideas, insights, and expertise to help the team or organization succeed.
B- Critical thinking
Effective followers can think critically and independently and are not afraid to challenge assumptions or offer new perspectives. They can provide honest feedback to leaders and are willing to engage in constructive dialogue and debate to help the team or organization make better decisions.
C- Commitment to the shared vision or goal
Effective followers are committed to the shared vision or goal of the team or organization. They understand that their success is tied to the team or organization's success and are willing to make sacrifices and work collaboratively to achieve that success.
D- Accountability
Effective followers hold themselves and their leaders to high standards of accountability. They take ownership of their actions and decisions and are willing to admit when they have made mistakes. They also hold their leaders accountable for their actions and decisions and are willing to speak up when they see something that is not aligned with the shared vision or values of the team or organization.
In conclusion, effective followership is just as important as effective leadership. While leaders may set the tone and direction for a team or organization, the active engagement, and participation of followers ultimately determines the success or failure of that team or organization. By cultivating a culture of collaboration, trust, and accountability, leaders can help their followers become active and engaged participants in pursuing a shared vision or goal and achieve greater success as a team or organization.
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