Everyone aspires to be a good leader. But being a good leader starts from being a good follower. In the same way that a fresh crisp apple has at its core a number of seeds, so leadership has many seeds at its core. Some are well-known and understood, such as accountability, coaching, business acumen, and an appreciation for the worth of the individual. Others often receive less focus but are no less important or impactful. Followership in leadership is one of these.
People who demonstrate strong followership typically foster these 5 qualities.
-
Self confidence
A high degree of self-worth allows an individual to assess clearly what possible options exist for the best solution or approach to achieving an objective. They show the courage to choose a path that is both aligned to that which is expected of them by their leader and also right for the business. Without self-confidence, and appreciation of self-worth, followers simply wait to be told what to do or follow blindly down a path that may well lead to a poor outcome or even failure. Often the leader is not close enough to the tasks or tactics required at the front lines and is relying on their followers to determine the best approach. A great follower remains objective and has the confidence to pursue the optimal path with clarity, and competence.
-
Loyalty
Loyalty is important and relies on strong allegiance and commitment. A lack of loyalty can cause problems between team members. It can compromise performance on and off the field. Quality loyalty is not a synonym for lapdog. Followers should remember that their obligation is to the team, not necessarily a given leader at a given point in time.
-
Integrity
To be a follower without integrity is to be a broken reed on which, if a leader were to lean, would let them down. It could put the shorter-term objectives at risk, and almost certainly ensure the failure of the longer-term objectives. The consistent demonstration of personal integrity requires that followers recognize that they must bring the full weight of their skills and knowledge to their leaders, and be sure that those capabilities are utilized. The alternative is being seen as someone who can execute instructions, but whose actions may be without due thought, or adequate appreciation for consequences.
Good judgment.
Followers must take direction, but not blindly. Good judgment is required to establish the difference between following good instructions following or contending instructions that are ethically inappropriate or constitute unsportsmanlike behavior
-
Personal Competence
Competence is a blend of what individuals know, and what they are able to do. Followers who are consistently improving their competence, who are staying alert to emerging trends and resources in the marketplace and then acquiring those for themselves, add greatly to the ability of leaders to execute brilliantly and competitively.
Also, lastly, good followers have their egos under control. They are team players in the fullest sense of the concept. They have good interpersonal skills. Remember, success for good followers relates to performance and goal achievement, not personal recognition and self-promotion.
Falana William is a passionate writer who has a keen interest in various topics. With expertise as a certified Google digital marketing expert, Falana William possesses the skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Combining a love for writing with proficiency in digital marketing, Falana William is equipped to create engaging and effective content that resonates with target audiences.
