Leadership is often celebrated as the driving force behind organisational success. However, the narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the vital role of followership—a dynamic, evolving concept that is reshaping how we understand leadership. Modern followership shifts the focus from passive compliance to active participation, demonstrating that effective leadership is a collaborative process.
Traditionally, followers were viewed as subordinates, merely implementing the vision of leaders. This perception began to change with the foundational work of Robert Kelley in the late 1980s and 1990s. Kelley introduced models that categorised followers based on their levels of engagement and independence, highlighting the diversity in followership behaviours. His seminal work laid the groundwork for recognizing followers as critical contributors to leadership outcomes.
Later, events like the 2008 Claremont University Conference expanded on Kelley’s ideas, exploring the complexities of followership. The discussions highlighted both empowering aspects and challenges, such as the risk of followers enabling toxic leadership. These insights have fueled a growing recognition of the interdependence between leaders and followers, and the essential balance required to achieve organisational success.
Modern theories categorise followers into various types based on their behaviours and levels of engagement. Kelley’s typology, for instance, identifies five key follower types:
Barbara Kellerman’s framework further emphasises the spectrum of follower engagement, ranging from passive “isolates” to fervently engaged “diehards.” These models suggest that effective followership involves more than just supporting leaders—it includes challenging assumptions, providing constructive feedback, and fostering innovation.
Leadership and followership are two sides of the same coin, each gaining value only when they work in harmony. Leaders provide vision and direction, while followers bring critical thinking, feedback, and execution. This interdependence creates a collaborative culture that drives innovation and resilience.
Research shows that organisations that embrace followership cultivate environments of mutual respect and inclusivity. Such cultures empower followers to voice their perspectives and participate in decision-making processes. The result is not only higher engagement but also greater adaptability in navigating complex challenges.
Despite its importance, followership often carries a stigma. Being labelled a “follower” is sometimes perceived as passive or unambitious, particularly in hierarchical or competitive environments. This misconception can hinder individuals from embracing their roles as active participants in leadership dynamics.
Organisations must address these challenges by fostering cultural shifts. Promoting inclusivity, valuing feedback, and redefining followership as a dynamic role rather than a subordinate one can mitigate these barriers. Emphasising that everyone alternates between leadership and followership roles helps dismantle outdated stereotypes and fosters collaboration.
Effective followers exhibit a combination of key traits that enhance their contributions to organisations:
These traits not only enhance individual performance but also strengthen organisational dynamics by promoting shared goals and mutual accountability.
Creating a culture that values followership requires deliberate effort. Leaders can foster this environment by:
When organisations prioritise these practices, they unlock the full potential of their teams, enabling both leaders and followers to thrive.
Modern followership challenges the traditional, leader-centric view of organisational dynamics. It recognizes that both leaders and followers play integral roles in achieving success. Just as a coin with one side lacks value, leadership without followership—and vice versa—cannot drive sustainable progress. By embracing the interplay between these roles, organisations can create resilient, innovative, and inclusive cultures that thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape.