leadingtoday.org
Copyright 2003 ã weLEAD, Inc.
In part 2
of “Good Followership Qualities”, we continue to discuss the traits
that promote outstanding followership behavior and prepare one for future
leadership roles. Before reading this tip we encourage you to read the March
2003 weLEAD “Tip of the Month”
entitled, The Art
of Followership and the April 2003 weLEAD
“Tip of the Month” entitled, Good
Followership Qualities – Part 1.
Show appropriate recognition and appreciation
of the leader(s). Leaders face a lot of pressure and bear many heavy
responsibilities. They may often feel as if their efforts are taken for granted
or that they are unappreciated! Good followers are sensitive to the stresses
and needs of the leader and they provide encouragement and emotional support in
a consistent and professional way. An appropriate balance is required and this
should not be confused with insincere “brown-nosing” which is often used in a
manipulative way simply to gain favor.
Provide “upward” counseling and coaching when
necessary. Most people incorrectly look at
leadership and followership from a limited and narrow perspective. They falsely
believe that the leader does all the coaching and counseling directed
toward followers. This may be true the majority of the time but certainly not
exclusively. The leader may be new or inexperienced in their position and need
the advice and experience offered by a follower. Sometimes the follower has
greater expertise or more facts about a particular subject. Good followers are
willing and able to provide upward coaching when appropriate. For more
information, we encourage you to read Leading Up, How
To Lead Your Boss So You BOTH WIN by Michael Useem.
When it is necessary…to say no! There are two
things a good follower will absolutely not accept! This is abusive or unethical
behavior demonstrated by the leader(s). One of the primary roles of the
follower is to be the “conscience” of the organization. Leadership behavior
that becomes abusive toward others or immoral is inexcusable. As a follower, it
is important to challenge these flaws before they become habitual. In these
situations it is acceptable to be diplomatic, yet firm with the leader. Point
out the negative consequences of this inappropriate behavior and make it clear
that you feel it is deplorable. A follower’s loyalty and commitment to the
leader must be weighed in the balance of respected organizational and societal
values.
Followership is an essential and effective “training ground”
to prepare for future leadership opportunities. It requires balance,
flexibility and a large degree of self-management. The experience gained from
this role is often looked back upon as one of the most rewarding times in a
leader’s career.
For weLEAD, this is Greg Thomas reminding you that
it was Jules Ormont who wrote the following quote regarding leadership, “A
great leader never sets himself above his followers except in carrying
responsibilities”.
To learn more about leadership go to the weLEAD
Home Page!