Leadership and gregarious

In his book, Bad Leadership: What it is, as it happens, why it is important, Barbara Kellerman points the finger followers as a catalyst that allows bad leaders to bear. It emphasizes that, in discussing leadership, the role of followers is often ignored. And 'certainly to our detriment as a leader and followers ignore.

Throughout history there have been those who were in office, and those who were not. Unfortunately, for those who were not in charge, life was often far less pleasant than it was for those who were in charge. Equally unfortunate is that such attitudes tend to survive until today in some modern organizations. Leader subordinates look down on people below them as somehow of a lower status. What bad luck! Just look at some of our elected politicians, to observe a striking example.

Someone told me once they saw what their leaders did and I noticed the leaders have not made the hands-on work. He said he did not want to reach that level, because it takes away the ability that much fun. But, he wondered, that was wrong not to want to move? My answer to this question? Absolutely not!

There are certain skills and characteristics that tend to define a leader. Not everyone has the skills, or even if they do, they may simply not want to be in a position of leadership. This makes them no less valuable to the organization and certainly does not make them a lesser person. Although it might seem like an obvious concept, those who are in leadership positions need to occasionally remember that it is those believers who keep them busy. Without people who follow, of course, there would be nothing to carry, but more importantly, nothing would be accomplished because they usually are not the leaders who actually do the work.

I like to be very blunt with executives about their relationship with the followers, however, are equally blunt with followers about their relationship with the leaders. Followers have a responsibility to support their leaders. This is not just do as you're told and do not agree or talk. As highlighted in Leadership Bad Kellerman, followers who do not communicate honestly with the leaders, or simply walk the slopes, do not help themselves or their leaders. A good follower will always be honest with their leaders and always give the best they have to offer.

Of course, a good leader must seek out and seriously consider input from their followers. This is a key point! The followers who feel their contributions and skills are not appreciated is unlikely to continue to lend their support.

One final word. Leaders are also followers but I am amazed at how often we forget that. It 'a good thing for leaders to remember though. The followers are the foundation of your success as a leader so they treat them as you want your leaders to treat them .......