Civic Education {JSS2}: Followership

Civic Education, JSS 2, Week 8

Topic: Followership

Contents:

1. Who is a Follower?
2. What is Followership?
3. Qualities of a Good Follower
4. Types of Followers
5. Consequences of Bad Follower

Who is a Follower?

A follower is a person who believes in a particular system of ideas or who supports a leader to achieve a common goal. A person who follows another in regard to his or her ideas or belief; disciple or adherent. A follower is a person who supports and admires a particular person or set of ideas.

Followership is the process of believing in a particular leader. It is the capacity of an individual to actively follow a leader. Followership refers to a role held by certain individuals in an organization, team, or group. Specifically, it is the capacity of an individual to actively follow a leader. Followership is the art and skill of effectively following a leader towards the achievement of a vision. Followership is the reciprocal social process of leadership.

Qualities of a Good Follower

Accepts direction and instruction: A good follower must be able to accept direction and follow instruction given to him/her. They’re open to new ideas and suggestions and do not become defensive. They are flexible.

Should be active: Followers need the ability to acquire, evaluate and integrate information necessary to complete an assignment. They will ask questions to clarify goals or values. They contribute to discussions and participate in decision making.

Commitment: This refers to an individual being committed to the goal, vision, or cause of a group, team, or organization. This is an important quality of followers as it help keep one’s (and other member’s) morale and energy levels high.

Must be Responsible: Good followers accept responsibility for their own actions and for decisions of the group. This may require questioning or even opposing leadership that is against the ‘good of the group’ or against greater values.

Competence: It is essential that individuals possess the skills and aptitudes necessary to complete the goal or task or the group, team, or organization. Individuals high on this quality often hold skills higher than their average co-worker (or team member). Further, these individuals continue their pursuit of knowledge by upgrading their skills through classes and seminars.

Must be Loyal & Dependable

Good followers must feel good about themselves by contributing to the group and its goals. They must also be loyal to their leader.

Self-Management: This refers to the ability to think critically, to be in control of one’s actions, and work independently. It is important that followers manage themselves well as leaders are able to delegate tasks to these individuals.

Courage: Effective followers hold true to their beliefs and maintain and uphold ethical standards, even in the face of dishonest or corrupt superiors (leaders). These individuals are loyal, honest, and importantly, candid with their superiors.

Other qualities of a follower

• Enthusiasm. They come to work happy and cheerful, never letting personal issues affect their performance.
  
• Set the Example.
• Know their Responsibilities.
  
• Exhibit Leadership PRIDE.
  
• Initiative.
  
• Life-long Learners.
  
• Emotional Awareness.
  
• Seek to Serve.Types Of Followers

1. The Sheep: These individuals are passive and require external motivation from the leader. These individuals lack commitment and require constant supervision from the leader.
2. The Yes-People: These individuals are committed to the leader and the goal (or task) of the organization (or group/team). These conformist individuals do not question the decisions or actions of the leader. Further, yes-people will defend adamantly their leader when faced with opposition from others.
3. The Pragmatics: These individuals are not trail-blazers; they will not stand behind controversial or unique ideas until the majority of the group has expressed their support. These individuals often remain in the background of the group.
4. The Alienated: These individuals are negative and often attempt to stall or bring the group down by constantly questioning the decisions and actions of the leader. These individuals often view themselves as the rightful leader of the organization and are critical of the leader and fellow group members.
5. The Star Followers: These exemplary individuals are positive, active, and independent thinkers. Star followers will not blindly accept the decisions or actions of a leader until they have evaluated them completely. Furthermore, these types of followers can succeed without the presence of a leader.

Consequences Of a Bad Follower

The following are the consequences of having bad followers in any organization or country

• It will lead to failure in achieving the set goals and objectives
• It leads to disunity
• Waste of resources
• It can lead to economic hardship
• There will be no love and peace

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