JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
I know, here we go again with that "a good leader must be a good follower" stuff. This statement is true, so take some time and really listen because some things are worth being repeated.
If you take time to understand the people at the bottom of the pool, you will know how your subordinates feel when you're the one on top of the pool. With this understanding, you will know how to be an effective leader. Followership comes in different ways, and I'm going to name a few.
Followership comes when you understand the organization's chain of command and culture. You must understand that your supervisor gets orders from their supervisors and it goes up from there. There has to be a flow, and orders come from the top down. I haven't seen too many places where orders come from the bottom up. We all follow the directions of someone above us. This is how military and civilian corporations work. There is a leader or boss in every business. Someone has to be in charge, so take your place in the chain until it's time for you to move up.
Followership comes from knowing your immediate supervisors. I know some people feel supervisors should know their people, but it goes both ways. As a follower you should know your supervisor's personality, work habits, their likes and dislikes. This will help you better understand your supervisors and how to approach them in certain situations. There needs to be mutual respect between the supervisor and the subordinate.
Followership is simply displayed in your professionalism and good work ethics. Professionalism is as easy being courteous, honest and responsible. Having a good work ethic means always trying to do what is right no matter what is going on around you. With a good work ethic, you will find a good attitude goes hand in hand.
Followership also comes when you understand rules and procedures. Rules are set in place for us to follow. You must follow the rules before you become a leader and start implementing those rules. Our leaders have set rules and regulations for us to follow. Now, it's up to us to follow them and improve them to make it better for those who come after us.
Followership can be an inspiration. You can inspire others to be good followers by doing what is right. Because people are watching you all the time, you may not think people see you, but they do. When you are out and about in civilian clothes you still stand out. People know you are in the military. You carry yourself in a certain way that is different from everyone else. So, without knowing it, you may have an impression on a young Airman or young civilian who wants to be like you.
Followership must be acknowledged. As a follower or a leader we must reward those being good followers who are doing what's right. If we acknowledge their efforts they will continue to be good followers and become great leaders.
Once again, another article about followership because the message is worth repeating. The more we hear something, the more it begins to sink in. We all need to be good followers before we can become good leaders. We have to start somewhere. Not many people start at the top of the ladder. When you show people you can be good follower, they will see the leader in you as well.