Followership: The Great Skill of Leadership

It is conceivable to say that one of the most important periods of a leader’s journey is during their youth. In our youth, we begin to experience the effects of leadership on our lives. Parents and loved ones are often the first to exert influence and authority over us, followed by educators, coaches, and mentors. The lessons we can learn from their leadership serve as the foundation for the leadership characteristics we implement throughout our leadership journey. It is during this time that we may begin to appreciate the contrast between effective and ineffective leadership.   

Effective leadership can be determined by the impact of those we lead. This impact is the result of fostering an effective relationship with our followership. I believe followership to be one of the most important skills for a leader to possess.   

“He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” - Aristotle 

Throughout history, we find examples of leaders who were first great followers. Long before General George S. Patton was lauded for his outstanding leadership during World War II, he served as a young Lieutenant and personal aide under General John J. Pershing during the Mexican Expedition of 1916-1917. Pershing mentored other notable followers, including future Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, and George C. Marshall. Each of these followers was impacted by the same great leader. They would go on to serve as the model of leadership for a generation during a pivotal time in history.   

There are three foundational goals I believe all leaders should chase during their leadership journey: 

1. Be A Great Follower – Without being able to follow effectively, one cannot effectively lead. Learn to follow leaders of various leadership styles. Observe and imbibe their approach to various challenges and situations. 

2. Be A Magnet – Be mindful of your followership. Continually seek objective observation of your leadership to determine your influence. An effective leader should draw followers into their influence, just as two opposing poles of a magnet. Do not be the side of the magnet that repels others.  

3. Create Generational Impact – The effects of your leadership will potentially impact generations to come, just as General Pershing’s leadership did. Give future leaders and generations a reason to remember how you positively impacted them. Let your effective leadership be an example. 

No matter where an individual finds themself in their leadership journey, they undoubtedly encounter great followers, are impacted by magnetic leaders, and are in the presence of those making an impact for future generations. During these difficult times we find ourselves in, we are in search of outstanding leadership. We should endeavor to be the great leader our generation calls for. 

In closing, I challenge you to be bold and seek the objective observation necessary for a leader. Evaluate your leadership journey and determine whether you are chasing the three foundational goals outlined above. 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”