The Power of Followership: Becoming a Force for Change

The Underrated Role of Followership in Leadership Success

There's a common misconception that leadership is the sole driver of success in any endeavor. However, the concept of followership challenges this notion by highlighting the importance of those who support and execute the vision of leaders. Followership, as opposed to leadership, focuses on the qualities and actions of individuals who, though not in leading positions, play a pivotal role in achieving collective goals.

Why the World Needs Great Followers

The importance of followership has never been more pronounced than in today's fast-paced and complex world. Great followers possess the capability to get things done, making them an indispensable part of any successful team or organization. Their contribution is not just in executing tasks but also in embodying characteristics that foster a supportive and productive environment.

The Characteristics of Great Followers

Great followers share a set of traits that distinguish them from the rest. These include:

• Humility: Putting the team's objectives above personal glory and recognizing the contributions of everyone involved.

• Faithfulness: Commitment to the team's goals and trust in the leadership's direction.

• Focus: Concentration on the tasks at hand and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.

• Fearlessness: The courage to face challenges head-on and the willingness to speak up when necessary to guide the team towards success.

The Impact of Followership

Followership has a profound impact on a variety of levels:

• Enabling Leadership: By supporting and executing the leader’s vision, great followers allow leaders to focus on strategic directions.

• Building Successful Teams: The collective effort of dedicated followers creates a conducive environment for success.

• Personal Development: The qualities of great followership foster personal growth, preparing individuals for future leadership roles.

Real-world Examples of Effective Followership

The story of the 1953 Mount Everest expedition illustrates the power of followership. While Sir Edmund Hillary received widespread acclaim, John Hunt, the leader who chose to support rather than seek the spotlight, played a crucial role in the expedition's success through his humility and dedication.

Another example comes from personal experience, where learning to accept not being the head chorister led to a realization of the importance of being faithful, focused, and fearless. These qualities contributed to the success of the choir and personal growth.

The Current Relevance of Followership

In today’s context, followership is increasingly relevant due to factors such as the global pandemic, the dynamics of the modern workforce, and the challenges of mental health. Great followership can lead to overcoming obstacles together, supporting each other, and fostering a sense of community and purpose.

Cultivating Great Followers

To nurture great followers, individuals and organizations must:

• Encourage the development of the key traits of followership.

• Recognize and value the contributions of followers in achieving collective goals.

• Create environments that foster open communication and support.

Final Thoughts

Followership is as critical to success as leadership. The qualities of great followers not only support leaders in their endeavors but also prepare individuals for future leadership roles. By valuing and cultivating followership, we can create more cohesive, effective, and successful teams and organizations.

Great followers today are indeed the leaders of tomorrow, underscoring the need to recognize and nurture the power of followership in all aspects of life.

For a deeper dive into the value of followership and its transformative power, watch the full video here.