The 7 Essential Principles of Followership for Aspiring Leaders
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Chapter 1: The Foundation of Leadership
At the core of every individual lies a desire to lead, whether it’s steering a neighborhood group, overseeing a workplace initiative, coaching a youth sports team, or even making impactful changes on a global scale. The aspiration to lead can manifest in various forms, from family dynamics to community activities. With countless resources available on leadership, one might wonder what fresh perspective we can offer.
Many guides focus on enhancing your leadership skills by outlining what a leader should do, offering examples and exercises tailored to your unique leadership style. However, the transformative approach I propose emphasizes the art of followership. The underlying truth is simple yet profound: without the ability to follow effectively, you cannot lead successfully. This sentiment is echoed by Aristotle, who articulated, “He who cannot be a good follower, cannot be a good leader.”
Thus, if exemplary leaders are adept followers, what defines a great follower? What characteristics embody followership? The encouraging news is that you don’t need to adopt a completely new identity; as a follower, you merely need to refine your approach to enhance your potential as a leader. Below are the 7 Essential Principles of Followership.
Why call them "principles"? Because, according to Wikipedia, a principle is a codified belief or a body of teachings that conveys the essence of knowledge in a particular field. These principles will distinguish you and set you apart, acting as your gateway to becoming a remarkable leader.
- Perspective
The first principle of followership is the ability to maintain perspective. But what does this entail? While some might define perspective as the capacity to view situations from multiple angles, it encompasses more than just vision; it involves commitment. Recognizing various viewpoints is insufficient if you’re not willing to support them. True commitment means elevating the perspective of those you follow, even when your preferences may sway you otherwise.
By choosing commitment over personal preference, you open yourself up to the richness of different viewpoints, fostering deeper understanding and connection. As the most dedicated explorers often uncover the most significant insights, so too can those who embrace a broader perspective.
This video explores the seven distinguishing traits that separate true leaders from followers, emphasizing the importance of followership in leadership roles.
- Patience
The second principle is patience. In today's fast-paced society, we often seek quick results, but this mindset can be misleading. While time is indeed a precious resource, true impact isn’t always immediate. Just because something is quicker doesn’t guarantee it’s more rewarding or effective.
Great followers understand that success is measured not by speed but by meaningful milestones. Some objectives may be achieved in days, while others require years of persistent effort. By adopting a long-term perspective on success, you can cultivate a sense of fulfillment that transcends immediate gratification.
- Submission
This principle may make some uneasy, as "submission" carries a weighty connotation. It’s essential to confront this idea directly. Not every voice deserves to dominate the conversation, nor do all opinions hold equal weight. Embracing submission doesn’t mean tolerating injustice or oppression; rather, it involves recognizing that you won’t always be the leading voice in every situation.
True submission allows you to support others and elevate their contributions, showcasing your strength as a follower. This healthy form of deference can enhance your credibility and distinctiveness.
- Lingering
The principle of lingering emphasizes the importance of staying engaged. A distinguished follower doesn’t simply flit from one task to the next; they commit to their roles and relationships. While growth and evolution are essential, being present and engaged in your current endeavors is equally vital.
In a rapidly changing world, those who choose to linger—without becoming stagnant—will stand out.
- Sacrifice
For those passionate about leadership, the concept of investing "10,000 hours" to achieve mastery may resonate. However, true sacrifice transcends this idea. It requires a willingness to give without the expectation of immediate returns.
Consider what you are presently sacrificing for the sake of others, be it time, comfort, or resources. This selflessness is a hallmark of a distinguished follower.
- Listening
The next principle is listening, an invaluable skill in our noisy world. Listening goes beyond mere hearing; it involves discerning what truly matters amidst the chaos.
When was the last time you fully engaged with someone’s narrative without interruptions? The ability to grasp the underlying messages—beyond the surface words—demonstrates your capability as a follower.
- Asking
Lastly, consider your tendency to ask questions. Do you seek to understand more than you explain? Cultivating an inquisitive mindset positions you as a distinguished follower.
Mastery is a myth, and true expertise is a continuous journey of learning. By prioritizing questions over answers, you foster an environment ripe for growth and discovery.
What You Should Aspire to as a Follower
There are countless reasons to adopt these principles, but ultimately, the most compelling motivation is this: embodying these traits prepares you to cultivate similar qualities in those who will follow you.
The caliber of a leader is often reflected in the quality of their followers. As Julius famously states in Remember the Titans, “Attitude reflects leadership, captain.” If you aspire for your followers to embody these principles, it’s essential to practice them yourself.
This video delves into the differences between leaders and followers, highlighting that not everyone is destined for leadership roles, and the importance of understanding one’s place.