How to Follow As A Leader

He who cannot be a good follower, cannot be a good leader. This phrase by Aristotle is powerful and pertinent to today’s environment. Many agree that having the experience of being a good follower causes them to be more in touch with the needs of those who follow them. However, don’t miss the hidden gem. Even as leaders, we need to be good followers. Let me answer the question that just came to your mind. Nope! You don’t have to give up your leadership position.

Why should a leader be a good follower?

Leaders who are good followers drive increased engagement and critical thinking, which delivers better business results. However, our job as leaders is not only to deliver base business results. It’s also about developing more leaders. To do that well, we must lead by example. This requires two vectors. We must demonstrate how we follow our leadership well. We must also stand at the back and follow others on our team when warranted by leading from behind.

How can you be a good leader-follower?

To be clear, an effective leader-follower is not passive or absent from leading. Here are four situations a leader must follow well to be effective.

Follow your experience by leading by example.

First, good leaders know how to follow based on their past experiences. This allows them to be in touch with the needs and dynamics of their followers. Second, they demonstrate how to be a good follower by being good followers of their managers. These leaders and their managers have a mutual understanding of trust and empowerment between them to deliver the business needs.

Follow the needs of the team by leading from the heart.

This is taking the time to listen to feedback and discern the needs of your team. Discernment requires leadership from the heart using skills such as active listening, empathy, and compassion. Leading from the heart takes courage because you are demonstrating servant leadership. Courage drives you to take a step back, place the needs of your team ahead of your own, and to go where the team needs are.

Follow your subject matter experts by leading from the back.

Leading from the back requires you to put the objectives and mission ahead of your ego by practicing shared leadership. Provide the guidelines and resources, then allow those with the mastery to lead when needed. You are not relinquishing your leadership. You are just doing it from the back versus always being front and center. Successful leaders surround themselves with great talent. Use it.

Follow your coaches by leading from a position of learning.

Leaders who are good followers have a bias for learning.  They choose to get coaching from even greater leaders and technical masters to learn their craft, organization, and the business. By the way, this acknowledgment of vulnerability can build trust.

The best leaders check their egos at the door and follow when needed. They have high level emotional intelligence and a heavy dose of self-confidence. They focus on their organization and business; not looking good or demonstrating they have power. They built trust among their team.  They are in touch with their organization to sense its heartbeat and needs.

Leaders who miss the point of being good followers tend to lead from a position of dominance, know-it-all, and ego-centricity. They leave in their wake, unsustainable results, as well as disempowered and devalued individuals. Also, the last time I checked, it was hard to listen if you are the one always talking and giving directions.

Empowered Leader Reflection

How have you observed leaders whom you admire demonstrate being good followers?

Would you join the conversation and leave a comment below?