Risk-Taking Followers
Are you working in a company or law firm where followers manage themselves well? Do senior team members help the CEO or Managing Partner to be a more effective leader? Does your company or law firm have collaborative leader-follower relationships?
One of the most powerful questions one can ask is “Do followers in our company take risks by speaking openly and candidly to leaders?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent followers encourage creating work relationships with leaders based on mutual trust and respect.
Do followers in your organization feel empowered to manage speak truth to power? Are you able to create a socially intelligent workplace where leaders and followers are energized by developing trusting leader-follower relationships?
Four Qualities of Effective Followers:
1. They manage themselves well: The key to being effective as a follower is paradoxically the ability to think for oneself. Followers also see themselves as equals to the leader they follow.
2. They are committed to a higher purpose: They work towards the purpose of the organization, and to certain principles and values outside of themselves. If they see a misalignment with personal values, they may withdraw their support either by changing jobs or by changing leaders.
3. They build their strengths: They have high standards of performance and are continually learning and updating their skills and abilities. They seek out extra work and responsibilities gladly in order to stretch themselves.
4. They take risks: They are credible, honest and have the courage to speak up. They give credit where due, but also admit mistakes. They are insightful and candid and they are willing to take risks. They can keep leaders and colleagues honest and informed.
In information-age organizations, hundreds of decentralized units process and rapidly act on varied input within the design and purpose of the organization. This requires an entirely different relationship between leaders and followers.
Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become an inspiring leader and or a valuable follower. You can become a leader or follower who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become happily engaged and aligned with the vision and mission of your company or law firm.
I am currently accepting new executive coaching and career coaching clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.
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