What type of follower are you?

To become a good leader, people must be good followers. To be a good follower, you must be able to take direction, be a productive part of a team, and show a good work ethic to get things done. As you read through this resource, consider how being a good follower will make you a good leader.

Different follower types

So far in this course, you've spent some time considering what type of leader you are, or could be, but how many of us ever think about what type of follower we are?

Identifying your own follower type will make you more aware of how you and other individuals interact with leaders. This awareness will be useful when reflecting on your own role as a leader and the relationships you have with those following you.

How to be a better follower

In the typologies explored here, positive/pro-active followership is about having energy and assertiveness, providing support but being willing to question, and seeing yourself as a partner rather than a subordinate.

Professor Jean Hartley offers her thoughts on how to be a good follower here – including the value of understanding your leader's personality and preferences.

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