The Essence of Strategic Followership in Leadership
Leadership isn’t simply given from above; it’s granted from below, by the followers. While management might come from a title or authority, true leadership emerges from the trust and alignment of those who choose to follow. As the saying goes, “Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.” (Simon Sinek)
Followers decide who they trust, who they align with, and ultimately, who they are willing to follow. This isn’t a passive act. It requires engagement, thought, and commitment. Leaders cannot lead without followers, and strategic followership – a conscious, active form of followership – is essential for leadership to truly take place.
What is Strategic Followership?
Strategic followership goes beyond simply executing tasks or fulfilling roles. It’s about:
- Understanding the shared vision.
- Aligning actions with the overarching strategy.
- Questioning when needed.
- Providing insight to refine the direction.
Strategic followers don’t just follow; they influence. They co-create the path with the leader. They become strategic partners striving together with drive and deep commitment to use their energy for a mutual purpose. And strategic followership can often look like leadership – as one employee recently said in our work with his team, “To follow strategically is to lead in your own way.”
When Managers Follow Leaders
There are moments when even a manager may find themselves acting in followership of an emergent leader within their team. This can occur when a team member’s expertise, vision, or initiative brings a fresh perspective or solution that the team needs. In such instances, the manager’s willingness to step into a followership role demonstrates humility and strategic thinking.
By aligning with the emergent leader and their strategy, the manager reinforces the shared vision and empowers the team as a whole. Leadership is fluid and situational. And this dynamic illustrates how followership strengthens the strategic bond between roles.
Strategy: The Bond Between Leaders and Followers
The pivotal element that connects leaders and followers is strategy. Strategy is the bond, the glue that unites these roles. It provides clarity, purpose, and direction. When followers understand and are aligned with the strategy, they empower leadership by amplifying its reach and effectiveness.
Imagine a team where strategy isn’t shared or understood. Even the most capable leader will struggle to inspire and mobilize such a group. Now imagine a team where followers understand the strategy deeply, see its relevance, and engage with it actively. In such a scenario, leadership flourishes because it’s supported, challenged, and enhanced by followers who are equally invested in the vision.
Cultivating Strategic Leadership and Followership
How do we cultivate this dynamic? It starts with leaders embracing the idea that leadership is a shared journey, not a solo act. Leaders must:
- Communicate strategy clearly, openly, and often.
- Foster an environment of trust and alignment.
Followers, on the other hand, must:
- Step into their role as strategic partners.
- Ask questions, seek alignment, and take ownership of their part in the collective vision.
As one insightful leader I recently worked with put it, “Leadership thrives when followership is active and engaged.”
Reflecting on Your Role
As we close, consider this: Are you contributing to the strategic bond in your work or life? Are you fostering a culture where followership is celebrated as much as leadership?
Leadership is granted by those who follow, and it’s through strategic followership that leadership can thrive. Together, leaders and followers shape a shared path forward, united by strategy and purpose.
Let’s embrace the power of strategic followership and redefine how we view the relationship between leaders and followers. Ultimately – A great leader is only as strong as their followers – and together, they are unstoppable.
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