Followership by Barbara Kellerman

Last updated: Sep 6, 2023

Summary of Followership by Barbara Kellerman

Followership by Barbara Kellerman is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of followership and its significance in leadership dynamics. The book challenges the traditional focus on leaders and argues that followers play an equally important role in shaping the success or failure of any leadership endeavor.

Kellerman begins by debunking the myth that followers are passive and subordinate to leaders. She argues that followers have agency and can actively contribute to the leadership process. The book highlights the various types of followers, ranging from conformist followers who blindly obey leaders to exemplary followers who challenge and inspire leaders to be their best.

The author emphasizes the importance of followership in both political and organizational contexts. She examines historical examples, such as the Nazi regime and the Enron scandal, to illustrate how followers can enable destructive leadership and contribute to catastrophic outcomes. Kellerman also explores the role of followers in democratic societies, emphasizing the need for active and engaged citizens who hold leaders accountable.

Furthermore, Followership delves into the dynamics of followership in the digital age. Kellerman explores the impact of social media and technology on followership, highlighting the potential for both positive and negative influences. She discusses the rise of online followership and the challenges it poses to traditional leadership structures.

The book also addresses the relationship between leaders and followers, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust, respect, and communication. Kellerman argues that effective leaders must understand and value their followers, fostering an environment that encourages followers to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

In conclusion, Followership by Barbara Kellerman provides a comprehensive examination of the concept of followership and its significance in leadership dynamics. The book challenges traditional notions of leadership and highlights the agency and importance of followers in shaping successful leadership outcomes. It serves as a valuable resource for leaders, followers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of leadership in the modern world.

1. Followership is just as important as leadership

In her book, Barbara Kellerman emphasizes the significance of followership and challenges the traditional notion that leadership is the sole driver of success. She argues that effective followership is essential for any organization to thrive. Kellerman explains that followers have the power to shape the direction and outcomes of a group or organization through their actions and choices. By recognizing the importance of followership, individuals can develop the skills and mindset necessary to contribute positively to their teams and organizations.

Understanding the value of followership allows individuals to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities within a group. It encourages them to actively engage in decision-making processes, provide constructive feedback, and support their leaders. By embracing followership, individuals can contribute to a more collaborative and productive work environment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the organization as a whole.

2. Followership requires critical thinking and independent thought

Kellerman highlights the importance of critical thinking and independent thought in followership. She argues that blindly following leaders without questioning their decisions can lead to detrimental outcomes. Instead, followers should actively engage in critical thinking, challenging assumptions, and offering alternative perspectives.

By encouraging followers to think independently, organizations can benefit from diverse viewpoints and innovative ideas. Followers who possess critical thinking skills can identify potential risks, propose creative solutions, and contribute to the overall success of the organization. Kellerman's insights remind us that followership is not about blindly following orders, but rather about actively participating in the decision-making process and contributing to the organization's growth and success.

3. Followership is a choice

Kellerman emphasizes that followership is a conscious choice individuals make. It is not a passive role that one is assigned to, but rather an active decision to support and follow a leader. By recognizing followership as a choice, individuals can take ownership of their role and actively contribute to the success of their teams and organizations.

This insight encourages individuals to reflect on their motivations for following a particular leader or being part of a specific group. It prompts them to assess whether their values align with those of the leader or organization and whether they are making a positive impact. By understanding that followership is a choice, individuals can make intentional decisions that align with their values and contribute to their personal and professional growth.

4. Followership requires courage

Kellerman highlights the importance of courage in followership. She argues that followers need the courage to speak up, challenge authority when necessary, and take risks. Courageous followers are not afraid to voice their opinions, even if they go against the majority or the leader's perspective.

This insight challenges the notion that followers should always be compliant and obedient. Instead, Kellerman encourages followers to have the courage to question decisions, offer alternative viewpoints, and hold leaders accountable. By fostering a culture of courage in followership, organizations can benefit from diverse perspectives, increased innovation, and improved decision-making.

5. Followership is a dynamic and evolving process

Kellerman emphasizes that followership is not a static role but a dynamic and evolving process. Followership requires individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, be flexible in their approach, and continuously learn and grow.

This insight reminds us that followership is not about blindly following a leader's instructions but about actively engaging with the leader and the organization. It encourages followers to be proactive in seeking feedback, learning new skills, and adapting to new challenges. By embracing the dynamic nature of followership, individuals can contribute to their personal and professional development and enhance their overall effectiveness as followers.

6. Followership is a form of leadership

Kellerman challenges the traditional dichotomy between leadership and followership by arguing that followership is, in fact, a form of leadership. She explains that followers can influence and inspire others, take initiative, and contribute to the achievement of organizational goals.

This insight reframes followership as an active and influential role within a group or organization. It encourages followers to recognize their leadership potential and take ownership of their contributions. By embracing followership as a form of leadership, individuals can enhance their impact and contribute to the overall success of their teams and organizations.

7. Followership requires trust and mutual respect

Kellerman emphasizes the importance of trust and mutual respect in followership. She argues that followers need to trust their leaders and feel respected in return to fully engage and contribute effectively.

This insight highlights the reciprocal nature of the leader-follower relationship. Leaders need to earn the trust and respect of their followers through their actions, transparency, and integrity. In turn, followers need to trust their leaders' decisions and feel valued and respected for their contributions. By fostering trust and mutual respect in followership, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and high performance.

8. Followership is essential for organizational success

Kellerman emphasizes that effective followership is crucial for organizational success. She argues that leaders cannot achieve their goals without the support and active engagement of their followers.

This insight highlights the interdependence between leaders and followers. It emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and value the contributions of their followers and create an environment that encourages followership. By acknowledging the importance of followership, organizations can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, ultimately leading to improved performance and success.