We know about good leadership. What do we know about good followship?
A leader is only as good as the people around them. Maybe we need to spend as much time building good followers as we spend building good leaders.
Good followship encompasses:
- Humility. It’s not about obedience and compliance. It’s about having a strong voice, being clear and direct, while being humble, teachable, and open to learn.
- Service. Choose service over self-interest. Look for ways to encourage others and contribute. Good followers are dedicated to the greater good.
- Accountability. Know that how you show up matters. See all blame as a waste of time. Good followship means being able to be counted on.
- Engagement. Rather than waiting to be told what to do, good followship means showing initiative and being engaged in their work while supporting others in theirs.
- Gratitude. Counter entitlement with appreciation. Avoid bitterness or divisiveness, and maintain a spirit of thankfulness, even in challenging circumstances.
