Leaders Need Followers
Leaders need followers. There is one ideal type of follower the leader needs, a great follower. While the leader needs followers and wants great followers, the idea would be to help them develop into leaders. And just as there are bad followers, good followers, and great followers, the same is true for leaders. However, if you combine a great leader with a great follower, you can revitalize a sleeping organization, build a developing organization, or even start a new organization.
A great follower is someone who goes beyond the call of duty. The follower may be asked to help as a contributor in a particular project, but the great follower will find a way to not simply contribute, but to leave a mark. Where others are quick to help when recognition is the name of the game, a great follower helps even when no one is looking. A great follower understands their role within the organization, and is willing to complete the responsibilities asked of them, and even provide support in other areas; rather than that, they would provide support to those who are involved, provide perspective, or provide their resources, that is, their time.
There is a major difference between a good follower and a great follower. As mentioned, a great follower goes beyond the call of duty; however, a good follower plays it safe and only does what is asked of them. A good follower isn’t the same as a bad follower; a bad follower doesn’t know how to follow, whereas a good follower only follows until their task is complete. They aren’t willing to help develop others, and they say those famous words, “I just work here”. It’s easy to spot a good follower. They clock in on time, they leave when it’s time to go, and they accomplish all of their work. As I said, they are good, but they aren’t great.
Often, we see followers with great potential who do not go beyond the call of duty. These individuals are talented and approachable, but they give no more than what is asked of them, and that is the problem. To grow into a leadership position, a follower must do what leaders do. They must join conversations that seem above their station and interact with those in the corner office, even while working from a cubicle. Without the willingness to exceed expectations and think beyond the cubicle, one will not reach the corner office.
The corner office seems to be many people’s goals. Indeed, that is a nice goal. However, we must understand that the higher we are on the totem pole, the more we are called to serve. If going beyond the call of duty is an issue as a follower, how will you act when it is asked, demanded, or expected of you while you sit in the corner office? A cozy chair just doesn’t get too comfortable; don’t lean too far back, otherwise, you won’t see it coming. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. You’ll miss the leadershift.
What is leadershift? It’s when a great follower transitions into leadership. This critical moment marks true change, watch out! Great leaders help great followers become leaders, guiding them to put it all together. Leaders need followers. So, how do we help great followers become leaders, and also help good followers take the steps to become great followers?
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This is for the followers who want to make the shift, from good to great; from a great follower to a great leader. This is for the leader who wants to ensure the longevity of the organization and leave a legacy by developing great leaders. This is for that person who possibly thinks they are a bad follower when they simply need to apply all their raw talents with hard work to make a masterpiece.
I believe there is a formula, and I intend to share with you that formula. It’s the necessary formula to help a great follower make the shift, the leadershift. No leader is going to hold their position forever, no matter how great they do the job. So, let’s start spotting the bad, good, and great followers to help them make the necessary shift as leaders! And if you are a follower reading this, thank you.
Follower, I believe you are smart, intelligent, wise, courageous, and capable of accomplishing anything you put your mind too such as becoming a great leader, even if you are surrounded by good or bad leaders.
Let’s get to work!