Followership

Question 1

What are the characteristics of an Effective Follower?

Answer 1

-critical thinker, high participation
-dissents when necessary
-shares credit
-admits mistakes
-superior judgment
-committed and competent

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Sheep?

Answer 2

-no critical thinking or participation
-lack initiative and responsibility

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Yes People?

Answer 3

-no critical thinking
-high participation
-livelier than sheep
-unenterprising
-depend on leader for inspiration
-aggressively deferential (servile)

Question 4

What are the characteristics of Alienated Followers?

Answer 4

-critical thinkers, no participation
-something “turned them off”
-distance self from organization
-no ownership of the mission
-cynical, disgruntled acquiescence

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Survivors?

Answer 5

-do not fully commit
-do what it takes to get along
-accomplishes minimum reqs
-mediocre performance

-shapeshifters (possess traits of each archetype), assessing the leader to determine what they want and thus they only provide what they think will increase their chances of survival

Question 6

True or False: an effective leader is the essential link between leader and follower cultures

Answer 6

True, leaders turn to effective followers to help communicate their vision to the rest of the institution.

Question 7

True or False: an effective leader focuses on both tasks required to complete the mission and the minutiae

Answer 7

-False, an effective leader’s perspective permits others to separate essential tasks from the minutiae

Question 8

True or False: those who are effective followers usually do not transition into leadership

Answer 8

-False, effective leaders usually DO transition to formal leadership positions over time

-this is what clarifies the interactive nature of the leader-follower relationship