Transcript Document
What is followership ?
Followership
A follower shares in an influence relationship among leaders and other followers with the intent to support leaders who reflect their mutual purposes.
Adair
Leadership An influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes and outcomes that reflect their shared purposes. At its best, leadership is shared among leaders and followers with everyone engaged and accepting higher levels of responsibility.
Daft
Alienated Followers
Are critical and independent in thinking but fulfill their role without enthusiasm Are often cynical and disgruntled Distance themselves from the organization and ownership of its mission May have experienced an obstacle or setback within the organization and given up
Passive Followers
Do not exhibit independent thinking or active participation Limit their activity to what they are told to do Are often the result of leaders who are over-controlling of others and who punish mistakes
Conformist Followers
Are sometimes called “yes” people Actively participate but do not use critical thinking skills Typically carry out all duties without question Participate willingly but do not consider consequences Are concerned only with avoiding conflicts
Pragmatic Followers
Have qualities of all follower styles – depending on what fits with the current situation Use whatever style best benefits their own position and minimizes their own risks Do not state their opinion on issues affecting the organization Will not take a stand, so are difficult to trust
Characteristics of Effective Followers
Work toward competency, solutions, and a positive impact Contribute with enthusiasm and support leaders Do not avoid risk or conflict Have the courage to initiate change to serve the best interests of the organization Are able to identify strengths/weaknesses in themselves and the organization
The “New” Relationship
Followers
Purpose
Leaders
The “New” Relationship
Followers
Purpose
Leaders
Independent, Critical Thinking
Alienated
Effective
Pragmatic Followers
Passive Conformist
Dependent, Uncritical Thinking
Obligations of Effective Followers
Accept responsibility Challenge authority Participate in change Serve the needs of the organization.
Leave the organization when necessary
Obligations of Leaders
People rise to your expectations, so increase your expectations of your members.
Your organization is built upon a common purpose—use it to develop a sense of ownership.
The best leaders are humble—it is not about the leader; it is about the organization.
The most effective leaders create a culture of “effective followership .”
Followership is a discipline of supporting leaders and helping them to lead well.
Reverend Paul Beedle
Take care of your followers. They are the ones who will get the job done.
Colin Powell
Effective followership is an excellent building block to effective leadership.
University of Oregon Holden Leadership Center
Leadership is an interactive activity: leaders depend on followers and vice versa.
University of Oregon Holden Leadership Center
Followers are more important to leaders than leaders are to followers.
Barbara Kellerman
In any organization, leaders can help develop effective followers, just as effective followers develop better leaders. The performance of followers, leaders, and the organization are variables that depend on one another.
Daft
What kind of follower are you?