What's Followership and why does it matter?
Are you concerned about developing strong leaders? About retention, engagement, succession planning, high performance and a healthy organizational culture?
Can stronger followership help your organization? Does everyone know how to follow well? (Are your followership skills under-recognized?)
Consider that the act of following an idea, a mission, or another person is a choice, not a job description. It’s actually the under-recognized force that powers the teams, organizations, and movements that shape the world we live in. And it’s a nimble set of skills that can be learned!
This is essential 21st-century knowledge for all leaders and innovators who want sustainable, resilient, thriving companies and communities, including:
Business Leaders
New Managers
Senior Leadership Teams
Emerging and Future Leaders
Not-for-Profit Leaders
Chief People Officers
HR Professionals
Organizational Development Professionals
Learning & Development Professionals
Leadership Coaches & Consultants
Talent Development Execs
Development Managers
Armed Forces Officers
Board Members
Social Philanthropists
The future is collaborative. We need everyone to both lead and follow well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photos courtesy Christopher Newport University, host of the 2023 Global Followership Conference.
What is Followership?
Like leadership, there are many definitions.
Here is what the British Army's new Followership Doctrine states: “Followership is the act of an individual or individuals willingly accepting the influence of others to achieve a shared outcome.”
Here is a practical definition: "Leadership is setting and holding a frame that builds optimum conditions for success. Followership is maximising contributions within (someone else’s) frame." (Hurwitz & Hurwitz, Leadership Is Half The Story)
Here is a courageous one: "Followership is not a term of weakness but the condition that permits leadership to exist and gives it strength." (Ira Chaleff, The Courageous Follower)
Here is an eloquent one: "To follow an idea, a mission, or another person is a choice, not a job description. Followership is the under-recognized force that powers teams, organisations, and movements that shape the world we live in, whether your rank is low or high or somewhere in-between." (Sharna Fabiano, Lead & Follow)
And, from ChatGPT: “Followership is a dynamic concept. Followers can transition into leadership roles and vice versa depending on the context and situation. It's essential for leaders to recognize and nurture followership qualities in their team members and promote a healthy balance between leadership and followership within their organisations."
What isn’t Followership?
Followership is NOT “followersheep”. Followership is intentional.
Followership is not a subset of leadership; rather, it’s an equal, valuable role that we all take on.
Followership is much more than managing up. Managing up is about getting your boss to help you achieve your goals, followership is about helping them achieve their goals.
Why does Followership matter?
We are all leaders. We are all followers. By focusing and developing only leaders and leadership, we perpetuate the idea that leaders are more valuable than others. It isn’t equitable. It isn’t in line with most organisations’ expressed values. And, it isn’t true. Research shows that strong followership improves key organisational metrics (top line, bottom line, employee engagement, customer satisfaction) by 17-43%.
Followership matters for healthy organisations.
Followership matters to people - for their careers, their confidence, and their potential.
Followership matters for achieving greater equity and harmony in communities.
And, Followership matters for a healthy democracy.
Who is this conference for?
In short, yes! This conference is for:
Leadership scholars, researchers, teachers and students
Followership scholars, researchers, teachers and students
Leadership coaches, consultants and trainers
Followership coaches, consultants and trainers
Chief People Officers, HR professionals and OD professionals
And, Innovators and Creators interested in improving team and organisational dynamics, health and performance
We look forward to meeting you in Glasgow!
Ask your organization for support
Below are starter templates to "make the case" for your organization to support your attendance at the 2024 conference.
Make the Case Template - STUDENTS
Make the Case Template - ACADEMICS
Make the Case Template - EMPLOYEES
Make the Case Template - BUSINESS LEADERS