Are You a Leader? Maybe It's Time to Learn How to Follow
Are You a Leader? Maybe It's Time to Learn How to Follow
Have you ever wondered why some teams seem to work like a well-oiled machine, while others struggle? The secret often lies not just in the leader but in the followers.
To be a good leader you first have to be a good follower. With a disproportionate focus on leadership skills, we often overlook the importance of being an effective follower.
Being a good follower is a skill in itself, not everyone comes by it naturally. Think of the players on a football team or soldiers in a squadron. The success of the entire group depends not only on sound leadership from the coach or commanding officer, but on the ability of every member to do their individual jobs and be empowered to execute when needed.
What Makes a Great Follower?
Understanding and mastering followership is as much an art as it is a skill. Far from blind obedience, exceptional followership is about empowering the collective team—everyone from the CEO to the intern—for organizational success.
1. They keep their ego in check.
Collaborative success dwells minimally on the "I" and maximally on the "we". Great followers exhibit a knack for ego management—they embrace teamwork, sharing the spotlight of achievements with others, thereby cultivating a communal sense of value and accomplishment.
2. They form strong credibility.
Followers give credit where credit is due, admit mistakes, and share successes. I tell my teams that when they get asked a question they don't know, go research it and then implement it. They are now the expert! Establishing yourself as a subject matter expert on a team provides you a way to gain the trust of those around you.
3. They are committed to a purpose.
Great followers are committed to something bigger—a shared goal, a collective mission, or a common purpose. Everyone on my team is part of the strategic planning process. This way everyone can get their input into the process and feel they were a part of what was decided as the mission, rather than feeling like they were told what to do and didn't have a say in their daily work.
4. They focus their efforts for maximum impact.
Followers master skills that are first and foremost useful to the company overall. I have always valued the people who pitch in no matter what and without being asked. Even though we all have job descriptions, those who reach out to help others on their team always stand out. They lead by their actions and support the team in order to reach the company's goals. Their positive, helpful attitude lifts everyone's spirits.
5. They support others.
They realize that the importance of many, not the few, is what makes a business successful. It's important to be honest about what you are good at and what you are not. That way you can appreciate the strengths of each person and use each person's skills to the best of their ability rather than focusing on weaknesses.
In many ways, great followers are just as essential as great leaders. You need both for any business to succeed. While learning to be a follower can be tough in the ego-dominated business world, the skills you develop as a follower will pay off when it's time for you to influence those around you to accomplish what you set out to do. We all are leaders, no matter the title, if we work together and actively listen to one another.
So, are you ready to embrace followership and become an asset to your team? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Updated Aug, 29, 2023