Day 2 Part 1 Flashcards
What are the characteristics of “Survivors” in R. Kelley’s followership model?
Survivors do not fully commit to work or group goals, desire to accomplish the minimum requirements, and avoid conflict. They are calculating self-monitors who adapt to what the leader wants in order to survive, but they are mediocre performers.
How do “Survivors” affect an organization?
Survivors clog the arteries of an organization because their behavior prevents the organization from functioning at its full capability, as they are not fully engaged or committed.
Where do “Survivors” fall in R. Kelley’s followership model?
“Survivors” are in the center of R. Kelley’s followership model. They possess some traits of each follower archetype, making them shape-shifters who adjust based on the situation.
Give an example of a “Survivor” follower.
A squadron commander’s secretary, six months from retirement, only attends mandatory meetings and completes tasks on time but avoids doing extra work. She agrees with all ideas to keep the peace and has stopped volunteering for extra tasks.
What does the term “R.O.A.D.” stand for in military culture?
“R.O.A.D.” stands for “Retired on Active Duty,” referring to followers who do just enough to get by until they retire.
What is the focus of “Dynamic Followership”?
It emphasizes developing followers with specific competencies to transition seamlessly into leadership roles and support mission success.
What role do followers play in the military?
Followers are crucial for fulfilling war-fighting roles and missions, making up the majority of military members.
Why is follower development essential?
Effective followers contribute significantly to mission success, and the lack of focused follower development impacts retention and institutional performance.
What is the relationship between leader-follower roles?
Leadership and followership are dynamic, and both roles contribute to organizational success. Developing followers enhances leadership effectiveness.
What are the key traits of an “Effective Follower” according to Robert E. Kelley?
Critical thinking, participation, self-management, commitment, competence, focus, and courage.
What are the four follower types described by Kelley?
Sheep, Yes People, Alienated Followers, and Effective Followers.
What are the two main dimensions of follower effectiveness?
Critical thinking and participation.
What defines a “Dynamic Follower”?
A follower who actively participates, exhibits critical thinking, and takes ownership of their role in the organization’s succes
What are the two main competencies in “Performance Initiative”?
Working effectively with others and embracing change.
What competencies define “Relationship Initiative” for effective followers?
Building trust, communicating courageously, identifying with the leader, and adopting the leader’s vision.
What are the follower types based on the relationship and performance initiative model?
Politician, Subordinate, Contributor, and Partner.
How does the concept of “Partner” follower type contribute to leadership?
They combine high performance with strong relationship-building skills, making them ideal collaborators with leaders.
What are the essential qualities of effective followers?
High organizational commitment, independence, critical thinking, integrity, and competency.
Why is loyalty important in followership?
Loyal followers support their leader’s vision, helping to align organizational goals and enhance team success.
What is the primary mechanism by which followers learn key competencies, and why is it important?
Mentoring is the prime mechanism. It’s important because it involves deliberate role modeling, teaching, and coaching, which sets behavioral and competency expectations.
💭 Reflect: Who in your life has mentored you—formally or informally? How did it shape your development?
What is Edgar Schein’s concept of “embedding mechanisms” and how does it apply to leadership?
Schein lists ways leaders shape organizational culture; one is deliberate role modeling. Leaders teach by showing, which helps followers internalize desired behaviors.
💡 Apply: Think of a time when a leader’s behavior taught you more than their words. What was the lesson?
How do leaders indirectly transmit values and expectations to their followers?
Through actions, priorities, and context—followers internalize what leaders consistently demonstrate as important.
💭 Reflect: What values do your actions currently communicate to others?
According to Gen. Bill Creech, what distinguishes effective mentors?
They invest time in one-on-one mentoring, share personal experiences, and guide others through direct involvement and teaching.
💡 Apply: If you were mentoring someone today, what experiences would you share first—and why?
Why is a mentoring culture essential in an organization like the Air Force?
It passes on core values, traditions, and expectations that ensure mission continuity and leadership development.
💭 Reflect: What traditions or values have you inherited from mentors that you want to pass on?
