10x Followership

The Unsung Skill: Why Great Leaders Are All Great Followers First

Leadership. It conjures images of bold pronouncements, decisive action, and standing at the helm. But what if the secret to becoming a truly great leader lies not in commanding, but in following? The idea might seem counterintuitive, yet there's a powerful truth. Aristotle said, “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.”

Think about it. Effective leadership is a two-way street. It's about inspiring and guiding others, yes, but it's also about understanding what motivates and empowers them. Here's how honing your following skills can pave the way for exceptional leadership:

Learning from the Masters

Great leaders are keen observers. By following strong leaders, you gain invaluable insights into leadership styles, decision-making processes, and the art of motivating teams. You witness firsthand how effective leaders:

• Communicate a vision: Think Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. King's powerful vision of racial equality inspired millions to follow him in the fight for civil rights.

• Delegate effectively: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his ability to delegate tasks to talented individuals while maintaining a clear vision for the company's direction.

• Build trust: Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, fostered a culture of trust by being transparent and approachable, even during challenging times.

• Navigate challenges: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US President, faced unimaginable challenges during the Civil War. His calm demeanor and strategic thinking kept the Union together.

By observing these qualities in action, you develop a foundational understanding of what effective leadership looks like. This knowledge becomes the bedrock upon which you build your own leadership style.

Understanding the Importance of Followership

Leadership is not a solo act. Great leaders recognize that their success hinges on the collective effort of their followers. Being a good follower means:

• Taking ownership: Sheryl Sandberg, ex COO of Meta Platforms, emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your work. This means going above and beyond expectations and being accountable for results.

• Being a team player: Look at the San Antonio Spurs under coach Gregg Popovich. Despite a lack of star power, the Spurs consistently achieved success through teamwork and a focus on the collective good.

• Offering constructive feedback: When Google transitioned from project management to OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), early adopters who provided constructive feedback helped refine the system for the entire company.

• Adaptability: Take Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer science. She readily adapted to new technologies throughout her long career, remaining a leader in the field.

These qualities not only contribute to a team's success, but also showcase your potential as a leader. A leader who has experienced the power of a strong team dynamic is more likely to create one themselves.

Everyone Has a Boss

In today's complex organizational structures, the traditional top-down hierarchy is evolving. Many professionals find themselves with multiple stakeholders (hello, matrix organization!), each with their own priorities and expectations. This can blur the lines of who exactly is the "boss." Even the CEO is answerable to the boardmembers, who in turn are answerable to the shareholders. Dara (Uber CEO) put this succintly, “While the shareholders don’t run the company, they do own the company!”

However, a good follower mentality transcends a singular leader. It's about understanding the bigger picture, aligning yourself with the organization's goals, and following through on commitments made to all stakeholders. By excelling in these areas, you demonstrate leadership potential regardless of your official position.

For example, a marketing manager might have a direct supervisor, but they also need to consider the needs of sales, customer service, and the executive team. By understanding these stakeholders' priorities and tailoring their work accordingly, the marketing manager demonstrates a strong follower mentality.

Stakeholder Accountability

Great leaders understand the importance of stakeholder accountability. This means being clear about expectations, keeping stakeholders informed, and delivering on promises. Here's how a strong follower mentality translates to stakeholder accountability:

• Understanding stakeholder needs: Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, is known for her active listening skills. She takes the time to understand the concerns of her constituents, allowing her to make informed decisions.

• Proactive communication: During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, became a trusted voice by consistently keeping the public informed about the latest scientific developments.

• Delivering Results: When Jeff Bezos took over Amazon, he set a bold vision for the company. By relentlessly focusing on customer satisfaction and innovation, he delivered exceptional results for shareholders.

By demonstrating stakeholder accountability as a follower, you build trust and credibility. This positions you as a reliable and valuable team member, paving the way for future leadership opportunities.

The Servant Leader

Many leadership styles emphasize a focus on the leader. However, the most inspiring leaders adopt a servant leadership approach. They prioritize the needs and well-being of their team, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Being a great follower allows you to experience the benefits of servant leadership firsthand. Imagine working for a leader like Nelson Mandela, who prioritized reconciliation and forgiveness after years of apartheid in South Africa. Witnessing such leadership firsthand would undoubtedly shape your own approach to leadership in the future.

Developing the Essential Skills of a Great Follower

So, how do you become a great follower? Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Active listening: Pay close attention to instructions, feedback, and team discussions. Imagine yourself as a coach, actively listening to your players and understanding their strengths and weaknesses.

• Critical thinking: Analyze information, ask questions, and offer well-considered insights. Think of yourself as a strategic advisor, providing valuable input to your leader.

• Open-mindedness: Be receptive to new ideas and approaches. Just like a scientist conducting experiments, be willing to adapt your approach based on new information.

• Problem-solving: Take initiative and find solutions to challenges. See yourself as a resourceful individual who can identify and solve problems before they escalate.

• Emotional intelligence: Understand your own emotions and those of others, fostering trust and collaboration. Imagine yourself as a diplomat, navigating interpersonal dynamics to achieve a common goal.

By honing these skills, you not only become a valuable team member, but you also develop essential leadership qualities. You become someone others can rely on, respect, and ultimately, want to follow.

From Follower to Leader

Great followers are not passive bystanders. They are engaged, adaptable, and eager to learn. These are precisely the qualities that make them strong leadership candidates. As you demonstrate your following skills, you naturally build trust, gain valuable experience, and develop your leadership abilities.

Following strong leaders provides a unique opportunity to learn from their successes and failures. You witness firsthand the impact of different leadership styles and gain a better understanding of what motivates and inspires teams. Think about it this way: Observing a talented musician can inspire you to practice and hone your own musical skills. Following a great leader can ignite a passion for leadership within yourself, and inspire others to follow you.

The Takeaway

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. The path to becoming a great leader starts with being a great follower. By mastering the art of following, you gain invaluable knowledge, develop essential skills, and position yourself for leadership success. Remember, the best leaders are not just those who command, but those who inspire, empower, and understand the power of a strong and engaged team – a team they were once a proud member of.

So, the next time you find yourself in a follower role, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. You might just be surprised at how quickly you find yourself ready to lead.

~10xManager