Followership; The natural complement to leadership

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, July, 2008 by Richard Martin

While leaders in law enforcement organizations constitute an important element in the success of their agencies' missions, equally significant are those who follow. One cannot exist without the other, and the success of any department depends upon both elements working in concert toward common organizational goals. Leaders make decisions on policy and oversee the development of plans for the success of the organization. Followers implement these plans and carry them through to completion. Although separate entities, leaders and followers are indelibly connected.

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IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWERSHIP

American culture usually does not hold followers in very high regard. Fascination with leaders far outweighs any consideration for followers. But, at some point, everyone is following, rather than leading.

Being a follower forms a natural part of life. Even leaders will transition from leading to following on numerous occasions every day. Indeed, with few exceptions, most people will spend the majority of their lives in a followership role. Yet, followership, or the act of following a leader, rarely garners the research community's attention and, subsequently, is not as well understood as leadership.

To begin research on the topic, it is necessary to first understand why followership is worth studying. (1) Although the concept seems self-explanatory and relatively simple, analyzing it can provide a greater understanding of leadership that, in turn, can foster the development of ways to enhance an organization's success.

As the term suggests, a follower is a person who follows the leadership of another. But, it is much more than that. Followership actually represents an interaction that occurs when subordinates work concurrently with leaders toward a goal of the organization. When viewed in this context, it becomes obvious why the law enforcement profession should examine the concept of followership. (2)

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TRAITS OF EFFECTIVE FOLLOWERS

Understanding followership is paramount for navigating the complexities involved in encouraging subordinates to do their best. Effective followers are invaluable for their many sought-after traits, such as intelligence, independent thinking, self-reliance, and dependability, that can lead to accomplishing an agency's goals.

Intelligence

Intelligence, perhaps, is the most important characteristic inherent in effective followers and holds the key to all of the other aspects of such individuals. Intelligence allows followers to think for themselves and not rely solely upon a leader for guidance in the performance of their duties.

Independent Thinking

Independent thinking, while indicative of great leading, also lends itself to effective following. The ability to think independently means that a person does not wait to be told what to do. Instead, independent thinkers look ahead to determine what needs to be done. In doing so, they can anticipate problems and creatively develop plans to deal with potential difficulties before they occur.

Self-Reliance

When people can think for themselves and seek solutions to their own problems, they become self-reliant, another quality present in effective followers. Such subordinates can ease the burdens placed on their leaders. Self-reliance allows followers to function without specific instructions from their superiors.

Dependability

Just as self-reliance is linked to independent thinking, dependability is connected to self-reliance. Indeed, this trait may represent a crucial characteristic of effective followers. It enables leaders to trust their subordinates and depend on them to follow directives, thereby accomplishing organizational goals.

Additionally, such employees assume responsibility for their actions--both good and bad. That, in turn, facilitates their willingness to take certain risks. Employees who evade responsibility for their own conduct also avoid risks, no matter the possible gains. Many great accomplishments have resulted from those willing to extend themselves to try new approaches while, at the same time, remaining completely aware that the failure of such actions ultimately would rest with them.

Related to this trait of taking responsibility is the need for effective followers to speak truthfully. Understandably, this can come with a certain amount of risk. However, an organization can be come crippled if its employees fail to voice their honest opinions when they run contrary to those of the agency's leaders.

LEADER-FOLLOWER RELATIONSHIP

Filling a leadership position does not make a person a leader; a distinction must be made between the two. Leadership positions are a formality. Rank structures ensure that all personnel know who technically is in charge. Leaders, on the other hand, may not necessarily hold such positions but be recognized simply by the influence they have on others around them.

The traits of effective followers are quite similar to those of effective leaders. Therefore, by concentrating efforts on developing competent followers, agencies, in essence, are creating their future leaders.