FollowershipLinda C. Meyer, Specialist

Baltimore County Public Schools

Office of Organizational Development

October 2014

What is followership?

FollowershipA follower shares in an influence

relationship among leaders and other followers with the intent to support

leaders who reflect their mutual purposes.

Adair

LeadershipAn 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

Purpose

Followers

Leaders

The “New” Relationship

PurposeFollowers

Leaders

Alienated

Effective

Passive

Conformist

Pragmatic

Followers

Independent, Critical Thinking

Dependent, Uncritical Thinking

Passiv

e Activ

e

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 OregonHolden Leadership Center

Leadership is an interactive activity: leaders depend on followers and vice

versa.University of OregonHolden 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?