Followership Linda C. Meyer, Specialist 4/17/2017 Followership Linda C. Meyer, Specialist Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Organizational Development October 2014 Have you ever head of Followership. Story about NAEOP Conference. Discuss with a p artner what you think this means.

4/17/2017 What is followership?

4/17/2017 Followership A follower shares in an influence relationship among leaders and other followers with the intent to support leaders who reflect their mutual purposes. Adair Followership appears as a “non-word” when spellchecked but is it a new concept? Not really, it is a concept with a new name but is one that is often overlooked or forgotten about. Share time – how do you feel about this definition? Do it match what you discussed with your partner? Ask yourself – without followers, would there be leaders? Who would they lead? Who would become leaders if they were not first followers. The flip side of followership is leadership. Let’s look at a definition of Leadership.

4/17/2017 Leadership An 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 Share time – do you agree with this definition of leadership Why/why not?

Alienated Followers 4/17/2017 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

4/17/2017 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 4/17/2017 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

4/17/2017 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 4/17/2017 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 4/17/2017 The “New” Relationship Purpose Followers Leaders Leaders and followers develop a shared purpose – work as a team.

The “New” Relationship 4/17/2017 The “New” Relationship Purpose Followers Leaders

Independent, Critical Thinking Dependent, Uncritical Thinking 4/17/2017 Independent, Critical Thinking Pragmatic Followers Alienated Effective Passive Conformist Passive Active Dependent, Uncritical Thinking

Obligations of Effective Followers 4/17/2017 Obligations of Effective Followers Accept responsibility Challenge authority Participate in change Serve the needs of the organization. Leave the organization when necessary Show enough good judgment as a follower and you’ll usually end up getting a shot at being the leader. “Good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgment.”

Obligations of Leaders 4/17/2017 Obligations of Leaders

4/17/2017 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.”

4/17/2017 Followership is a discipline of supporting leaders and helping them to lead well. Reverend Paul Beedle

4/17/2017 Take care of your followers. They are the ones who will get the job done. Colin Powell

4/17/2017 Effective followership is an excellent building block to effective leadership. University of Oregon Holden Leadership Center

4/17/2017 Leadership is an interactive activity: leaders depend on followers and vice versa. University of Oregon Holden Leadership Center

Followers are more important to leaders than leaders are to followers. 4/17/2017 Followers are more important to leaders than leaders are to followers. Barbara Kellerman

4/17/2017 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? 4/17/2017 Share and discuss handout What kind of follower are you?