To Be a Great Leader, Become a Great Follower

Leadership often gets all the spotlight. We talk about vision, decision-making, and inspiring teams. But what if I told you that the foundation of great leadership is actually great followership? Yes, elite followership is a skill that shapes better leaders. It’s not about blind obedience. It’s about critical thinking, owning outcomes, communicating up, and protecting team momentum. This guide will show you how mastering followership can transform your leadership and your team’s success.

Understanding Elite Followership vs. Blind Obedience

Followership is often misunderstood. Many think it means simply doing what you’re told without question. That’s blind obedience. It’s passive and can lead to poor decisions and low morale. Elite followership, on the other hand, is active and skilled.

Elite followers:

• Think critically about tasks and decisions.

• Take ownership of their work and outcomes.

• Communicate openly and honestly with leaders.

• Protect the team’s momentum by supporting progress and managing conflicts.

  
  

This kind of followership creates a feedback loop that helps leaders improve and teams thrive. It’s a partnership, not a hierarchy.

Real Workplace Scenario 1: Supporting a New Manager

Imagine a new manager stepping into a leadership role. They’re learning the ropes, making mistakes, and figuring out how to lead effectively. Elite followers support them by:

• Offering constructive feedback without undermining authority.

• Taking initiative to ease the manager’s workload.

• Encouraging open dialogue to build trust.

• Helping the manager understand team dynamics.

  
  

This support helps new leaders grow faster and gain confidence. It also builds a culture where everyone feels responsible for success.

Disagreeing Without Derailing

Disagreement is natural and healthy in any team. But how you disagree matters. Elite followers know how to voice concerns without derailing progress or damaging relationships.

Here’s how to disagree effectively:

• Focus on the issue, not the person.

• Use facts and data to support your point.

• Suggest alternatives or solutions.

• Listen actively to understand the leader’s perspective.

• Choose the right time and place for difficult conversations.

  
  

For example, if you disagree with a new sales strategy, don’t just say “This won’t work.” Instead, explain why, back it up with data, and propose a tweak that could improve results. This approach keeps the conversation productive and respectful.

Real Workplace Scenario 2: Disagreeing Without Derailing

A sales rep notices a new process slowing down deals. Instead of ignoring it or complaining, they gather data on deal times and present it to their manager with suggestions for improvement. The manager appreciates the input and adjusts the process, leading to faster sales cycles.

Executing Fast During Change

Change is constant, especially in startups and small businesses. Elite followers excel at executing quickly and effectively during transitions. They:

• Understand the reasons behind change.

• Adapt their work without waiting for perfect instructions.

• Communicate challenges and progress clearly.

• Support colleagues who struggle with change.

  
  

This agility helps teams stay competitive and resilient.

Real Workplace Scenario 3: Executing Fast During Change

A company rolls out a new CRM system. Instead of resisting, an experienced team member learns the tool quickly, creates a cheat sheet for others, and shares tips during team meetings. Their proactive followership speeds up adoption and minimizes disruption.

Leading from the Middle: Individual Contributors and Team Leads

Not all leaders have formal titles. Many lead from the middle as individual contributors (ICs) or team leads. Elite followership is crucial here. It means:

• Taking responsibility beyond your job description.

• Influencing peers positively.

• Escalating issues thoughtfully.

• Balancing support for leadership with advocacy for the team.

  
  

This middle leadership builds bridges and drives results.

Real Workplace Scenario 4: Leading from the Middle

A senior developer notices recurring bugs slowing the team. They organize a weekly bug review, coordinate fixes, and communicate updates to the manager. Their initiative improves product quality and team morale without formal authority.

Followership Scorecard: Track Your Progress Weekly

To develop elite followership, use this simple scorecard every week. Rate yourself from 1 (rarely) to 5 (always) on these behaviors:

1. I think critically about tasks and decisions.

2. I take ownership of my work and outcomes.

3. I communicate openly and honestly with my leader.

4. I support team momentum and help resolve conflicts.

5. I provide constructive feedback when needed.

6. I adapt quickly to change and help others do the same.

7. I lead by example, even without formal authority.

   
   

Review your scores weekly. Identify areas to improve and set small goals. Over time, these habits will strengthen your followership and leadership skills.

Followership for Sales Leaders: Balancing Process and Judgment

Sales leaders know the tension between following process and using judgment. Great sales reps follow the sales process consistently but also apply their experience to adapt when needed. Elite followership in sales means:

• Understanding the “why” behind each step.

• Communicating challenges or customer feedback up the chain.

• Suggesting process improvements based on real-world insights.

• Owning their sales outcomes, not just ticking boxes.

  
  

This balance drives better results and continuous improvement.

Leadership Takeaway: Trust Comes from Learning to Be Led

Teams trust leaders who have learned how to be led. When you practice elite followership, you develop empathy, communication skills, and accountability. These qualities make you a better leader.

Remember, leadership is a two-way street. To lead well, start by following well. Build trust, support your team, and own your role in the bigger picture. That’s how you create lasting impact.

By embracing elite followership, you unlock a powerful path to leadership growth. Start today by thinking critically, owning your outcomes, and communicating openly. Your team and your future self will thank you.