Discussion:
How can being an effective follower translate into developing yourself as a future leader?
PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE WITH MY CLASSMATE RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS? (A MINIMUM OF 125 WORDS)
CLASSMATE'S POST
First of all, without effective followers there will never be leaders. Everyone is a follower in the grand scheme of things. I think that as an effective follower you will learn the necessary traits and have a better understanding of what you could potentially lead. Effective followers have the courage to accept responsibility, challenge authority, participate in change, serve the needs of the organization, and leave the organization when necessary. These traits are also necessary as a leader. So, being an effective follower will help shape you into a better leader because you are already using the qualities that are necessary for a leader. I have had some terrible leaders within my career that have shown me examples of what I do not want to become. Many of the competencies that are needed in leaders are the same qualities needed in effective followers. In addition to possessing initiative, independence, commitment to common goals, and courage, a follower can provide enthusiastic support of a leader, but not to the extent that a follower fails to challenge a leader who is unethical or threatens the values or objectives of the organization.