Forget Leadership
How About Good
Followership?
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Followership
Definition:
An interactive role individuals play that
complements the leadership role and is
equivalent to it in importance for achieving team
and organizational performance objectives.
Note:
The characteristics of a good leader are the same
as a good follower. The skills of a good leader
requires him/her to successfully shift from
leadership to followership roles.
In turn, good followers take the initiative to lead
through self motivation and striving beyond the
team and organization’s performance
expectations.
Reference: The Power of Followership – R. E. Kelley, 1992
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Followership
• Continuously equips themselves with useful
skills needed within the team and organization
• Hold themselves to higher performance
expectations than the organization requires
• Consistently uses his/her skills in whatever
capacity the team needs them
• Accepts guidance or leadership from others
• Contributes to fill the performance gaps in
leadership without need for self recognition
• Understands that leadership and followership are
interdependent
• Bushido = Faithful Follower (Japanese –
associated with high social standing)
Reference: The Power of Followership – R. E. Kelley, 1992
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Offers Appropriate Influence
to Leadership with Confidence
Demonstrates Job Competency
and Self Initiative with
Minimal Supervision
Demonstrates Ownership
and
Concern for Team Cohesion
Portrays the Image
Of the Organization
Demonstrates Critical Thinking
and
Shares Creativity
Builds Positive Relationships
with
Coworkers and Leaders
Followership
Behaviors
Consistent Performance and
Represents the Interest
of Leadership
Sets Action Oriented Goals
that Align with Team Goals
Takes Responsibility
For
Own Career Development
Speaks Up on Tough Viewpoints
by Sharing a
Different Perspective
Searches Beyond Organizational
Boundaries to Seek Resources for
the Team
Reference: The Power of Followership – R. E. Kelley, 1992
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Forget Leadership
How About Good
Followership?
For more information, or to schedule a workshop, contact:
Toll Free: (800) 211-0871
www.FirstStepsTraining.com
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