What's Followership and why does it matter?

We are all leaders. We are all followers. By focusing and developing only leaders and leadership, we perpetuate the idea that leaders are more valuable than others. It isn’t equitable. It isn’t in line with most organisations’ expressed values. And, it isn’t true. Research shows that strong followership improves key organisational metrics (top line, bottom line, employee engagement, customer satisfaction) by 17-43%.

  • Followership matters for healthy organisations.

  • Followership matters to people - for their careers, their confidence, and their potential.

  • Followership matters for achieving greater equity and harmony in communities.

  • And, followership matters for a healthy democracy.

RESOURCES FOR SCHOLARS
RESOURCES FOR PRACTITIONERS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Like leadership, there are many definitions.

    Here is what the British Army's new Followership Doctrine states: “Followership is the act of an individual or individuals willingly accepting the influence of others to achieve a shared outcome.”

    Here is a practical definition: "Leadership is setting and holding a frame that builds optimum conditions for success. Followership is maximising contributions within (someone else’s) frame." (Hurwitz & Hurwitz, Leadership Is Half The Story)

    Here is a courageous one: "Followership is not a term of weakness but the condition that permits leadership to exist and gives it strength." (Ira Chaleff, The Courageous Follower)

    Here is an eloquent one: "To follow an idea, a mission, or another person is a choice, not a job description. Followership is the under-recognized force that powers teams, organisations, and movements that shape the world we live in, whether your rank is low or high or somewhere in-between." (Sharna Fabiano, Lead & Follow)

    And, from ChatGPT: “Followership is a dynamic concept. Followers can transition into leadership roles and vice versa depending on the context and situation. It's essential for leaders to recognize and nurture followership qualities in their team members and promote a healthy balance between leadership and followership within their organisations."

  • Followership is NOT “followersheep”. Followership is intentional.

    Followership is not a subset of leadership; rather, it’s an equal, valuable role that we all take on.

    Followership is much more than managing up. Managing up is about getting your boss to help you achieve your goals, followership is about helping them achieve their goals.

    • Leadership & Followership scholars, researchers, teachers and students

    • Coaches, consultants and trainers

    • Chief People Officers, HR professionals and OD professionals

    • Public and Civil servants

    • Members of the Armed Forces

    • Non-profit administrators and staff

    • Higher Ed. administrators and staff

    • Innovators and Creators interested in improving team and organizational dynamics, health and performance

    We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

The future is collaborative

Are you concerned about retention, engagement, succession planning, high performance and a healthy organizational culture?

Consider that the act of following an idea, a mission, or another person is a choice, not a job description. It’s actually the under-recognized force that powers the teams, organizations, and movements that shape the world we live in. And it’s a nimble set of skills that can be learned!

This is essential 21st-century knowledge for all who want sustainable, resilient, thriving companies and communities.