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Leadership Tip of the Month

May 2003

Copyright 2003 ã weLEAD, Inc.

Good Followership Qualities – Part 2

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”.

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