Definition of Followership
Followership involves understanding and fulfilling the needs of followers while also being able to follow and support a leader. It is a crucial aspect of leadership, as it enables organizations to achieve their goals effectively.
Key Facts
- Definition of followership: Followership involves understanding and fulfilling the needs of followers while also being able to follow and support a leader.
- Importance of followership:
- Followership is essential for the success of any team or organization.
- Good followers contribute to a healthy and adaptable team environment.
- Followers influence leaders and provide valuable recommendations for achieving complex goals.
- Changing leadership dynamics: The traditional hierarchical leadership style is becoming less prevalent. Leaders now need to adapt to the diverse needs and values of their followers.
- Different followership styles: There are different styles of followership, including exemplary, conformist, passive, alienated, and pragmatist followers. Each style has its own characteristics and levels of engagement and critical thinking.
- Cultivating good followership: Leaders can cultivate good followership by understanding, acknowledging, and validating the values of their followers. Building genuine relationships based on this understanding helps to cultivate trust and meet followers’ unique needs.
Importance of Followership
Team Success and Adaptability
Good followers contribute to a healthy and adaptable team environment by actively participating, sharing ideas, and supporting each other. They help the team navigate challenges and achieve its objectives.
Influence on Leaders
Followers influence leaders by providing valuable recommendations and feedback. They can help leaders make informed decisions and achieve complex goals by sharing their perspectives and expertise.
Changing Leadership Dynamics
The traditional hierarchical leadership style is becoming less prevalent. In today’s diverse and rapidly changing business landscape, leaders need to adapt to the needs and values of their followers. This requires understanding their motivations, aspirations, and unique perspectives.
Different Followership Styles
Robert E. Kelley’s model identifies five distinct followership styles:
- Exemplary FollowersHigh engagement and critical thinking; take initiative, provide constructive criticism, and champion organizational goals.
- Conformist FollowersHigh engagement, low critical thinking; active “doers” who prioritize organizational needs over their own.
- Passive FollowersLow engagement and critical thinking; follow without question and require consistent direction.
- Alienated FollowersHigh critical thinking, low engagement; skeptical and may feel underutilized.
- Pragmatist FollowersModerate engagement and critical thinking; adapt to uncertain environments and prioritize getting things done.
Cultivating Good Followership
Leaders can cultivate good followership by:
- Understanding and Validating ValuesIdentifying and acknowledging the personal and professional values of followers builds trust and enables leaders to meet their unique needs.
- Building Genuine RelationshipsEstablishing relationships based on understanding and empathy fosters a positive and supportive work environment.
Conclusion
Followership is an essential aspect of leadership that contributes to organizational success. By understanding the different followership styles and cultivating good followership, leaders can create a cohesive and effective team environment that drives innovation and achieves goals.
References
- Followership: What It Is and Why It’s Important
- In Praise of Followers
- Followership: What it is and Why it’s Essential for Leaders to Understand
FAQs
What is followership?
Followership involves understanding and fulfilling the needs of followers while also being able to follow and support a leader. It is a crucial aspect of leadership, as it enables organizations to achieve their goals effectively.
Why is followership important?
Followership is important because it:
– Contributes to team success and adaptability
– Influences leaders and provides valuable recommendations
– Helps organizations navigate complex challenges
How has followership changed in recent years?
The traditional hierarchical leadership style is becoming less prevalent. In today’s diverse and rapidly changing business landscape, leaders need to adapt to the needs and values of their followers.
What are the different followership styles?
Robert E. Kelley’s model identifies five distinct followership styles: exemplary, conformist, passive, alienated, and pragmatist followers. Each style has its own characteristics and levels of engagement and critical thinking.
How can leaders cultivate good followership?
Leaders can cultivate good followership by understanding and validating the values of their followers, building genuine relationships, and creating a positive and supportive work environment.
What are the benefits of good followership?
Good followership leads to increased team cohesion, improved decision-making, and enhanced organizational performance.
How can followers improve their own followership skills?
Followers can improve their followership skills by being主动,积极主动, providing constructive feedback, and seeking opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills.
What are the challenges of followership?
Some challenges of followership include dealing with difficult leaders, navigating conflicts within the team, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.