Being a great follower

It seems that everyone wants to be a leader, but being a good follower is just as important. In fact, I don't believe one can become a good leader without learning to be a good follower first.

What would a great leader do if there were no one to follow? It would be a pretty lonely and boring existence.

There are times we are called upon to lead and times we must follow. What makes a good follower? Unlike what some people might think, a good follower is not a weak person who follows others blindly. It actually takes a very strong character to be a good follower.

A good follower is also a good thinker who freely contributes their ideas to accomplish whatever goals are set by the team or leader. A good follower doesn't just follow anyone. They must first be inspired by the leadership, fuelling an inner passion which creates the desired effect. That is very different from being easily controlled.

Good followers follow because they want to, not because they have to. They contribute their experience and knowledge to the team, adding value in the process. They maintain an open mind and a cheerful attitude. They are eager to serve.

When hiring, I look for these qualities in potential candidates, but I also look for something else.

Sure, the CV matters, but what matters more to me is not what the person has already achieved; I look at their future potential. I don't want someone who thinks like I do. I want someone who will challenge and add dimension to my thinking and value to the organisation or team.

Good followers are hard to find these days.

By Dr Bill Gould

Human resources director

Wall Street Institute, Thailand

www.wallstreet.in.th