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Guest post by: Stephen Blakesley Become an Author

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When asked, “What is a leader” Willie Nelson once said, “find a bunch of people walking in the same direction, walk real fast and get out in front of them.” While that is a humorous and even ridiculous definition of leadership, it is accurate, in its limited way.

American and American organizations might even think it disrespectful to a culture that nearly worships leaders, to talk about the need to be a good follower. Most of us were raised to respect and even be a leader.

Yet, most of the work in this country is not done by leaders. Less than 25% of the work in America is done by leaders. The rest? Well, “the rest” is done by that group that gets no respect, followers. American corporations spend millions of dollars each year on finding leader and then teaching them to be leaders when those they thought they found were not.

Few of us were ever taught to be good followers. Yet even the greatest of leaders were followers at one time and most, if not all, must be followers in their current leadership role. So, why do we devote so little attention to following? Could anything get done without a leader? I am not certain but that is what ‘self-directed teams” is all about. Could we all be better, better leaders, better followers, more satisfied and fulfilled if we were better followers?

I believe so. By being better followers we would be more efficient at getting 80 percent of the work that is done, done in a more efficient way. Than can’t be bad. And, if we learned to be better followers the leaders that emerged would be better and more efficient about the 25% of the work they do.

I think there are just a few important truths about followership that we should consider:

1. Not everyone can be a leader all of the time. If you are not the leader you can be one of two other things: a follower or a drag. If you were not the leader, for which one would you like to be remembered?

2. Followers are essential and leaders could not exist without followers, be humble.

3. Good followers don’t always become good leaders but good leaders were, at some point, good followers.

4. Good followers have two important traits: They can see the big picture and they like to see other people benefit from their work.

5. Good followers are good at giving feedback in a way that others, who need to hear, hear.

In all there are just five essentials that, if remembered and implemented would make you a better follower. If you want to be a part of a real high-performing team, as a leader or a follower practice these five essentials and share them with others.

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