Being An Effective Follower

Robert Kelley (1992), author of The Power of Followership, suggested that effective followers possess four common qualities:

· They are self-managed and able to work effectively without direct supervision

· They are very committed to the organization’s goals

· They possess a high level of competence and mastery of their job skills; and

· They act with a high level of credibility and ethics in their job performance.

In this Discussion, you will consider what it means to be a good follower and will consider your own effectiveness in that role.

Post a summary of what effective followership entails, including an analysis of your own effectiveness as a follower. Based on your reading and analysis of this week’s Learning Resources, as well as your own experience and observations, respond to the following:

· Do you see yourself as an effective follower? Why or why not? Be sure to provide examples.

· What are your strengths and weaknesses, or shortcomings, in being an effective follower? What actions can you take to improve your followership skills?

· How can being an effective follower translate to effective leadership? Hint: Your discussion should consider how the “followers” empower or enable the leader’s behaviors (for good or bad).

· What recommendations would you make for leaders to better empower and support their followers to meet their goals?

Note: Be sure to justify your conclusions by supporting examples from your own personal experiences or those of others, from current events, and from the Learning Resources.