As we know, being more assertive or decisive doesn’t guarantee being a good leader – neither does admitting one’s limitation, but it is a start!
There is also no such thing as being just a follower.
Good leaders – the ones who emerge as humble, even selfless, clear and capable of organizing others around a common interest/goal – create good followers – the ones who are empowered to serve a common interest/goal, while exercising their own leadership with others.
Leadership and followership require intentionality, trust and commitment. They should function in integration like an eco-system: creating an interconnected movement where each part is necessary to the other one, helping to regulate and enrich it, with no judgment attached.
Am I too liberal and dreamy?
Anyway, no aspect of the mechanics should be taken for granted or under-valued.
Reflective questions: Do you exercise leadership? Do you exercise followership? Both? None? What do you notice about the relationship between the two?
Thank you Carole for another wonderful cartoon and message. So current!
Many years ago, when I was first placed in a supervisory position, I only knew the tell mode of leading and, of course, to my frustration if I didn’t tell them – over and over again – they did not do it! Later, I realized that facilitating self-discovery, actually supporting followers to think for themselves, was the key to self-motivated employees.
My business partner and I are about to start a movement for Conscious Women Leaders. Once I understood that the role of the leader is to facilitate discussion between the participants, we were all in!
After giving it some thought, it is not so clear what the major differences are between a good leader and a good follower. Carole, I agree there is definitely a symbiotic give and take. What I think are the common traits for both is the ability to listen, have a preoccupation about the team vs self, ability to communicate clearly, hold colleagues accountable, and create a safe space for feedback, ideas, and risk taking.
For me personally, when warranted, good leaders are generous with praise and share the credit as well.
As for me, I try to keep this in mind but often throw it all out when I am at the mercy of sensitive deadlines or high level demands.