As LEADERS, it's equally important for us to know how to FOLLOW as it is for us to know how to LEAD. In fact, many believe that to be a good leader, you must first be a great follower. And continue to follow well as you continue to lead well. I would suggest that great leaders are equally in tune with how to follow well, as how to lead well. So here are a few thoughts on following:
- Good followers are finishers. They get the job done. Take projects across the finish line. Make things happen. On their own.
- Good followers anticipate. They understand what needs to be done next before having to be told, and are always looking for ways to make the process better.
- Good followers criticize in private, and praise in public. Enough said on that.
- Good followers are trustworthy. When given an assignment, a leader can be assured that it will get done. Dependable. This is incredibly important.
- Good followers are vision copycats. They take on, embody and live out the vision and mission of their leader, and of the organization, helping set and model a cultural standard.
- Good followers make their leader better. They push their leader, and know how to lead up appropriately and intentionally.
- Good followers lead themselves. They don't need to be managed, and aren't needy. They are self aware, and don't need all the attention from the leader.
- Good followers are principled. They are humble, disciplined and have complete integrity. They know it's not about them, and what you see is what you get.
