#MilTwitter

Having recently been asked an interesting question by @icsc_l, and after a chat via DM to a couple of you; here’s my condensed take on the subject.

#Followership

[A thread]

While this tweet was intended as leadership-orientated, with the would-be reader as the subject encouraged to think; it was suggested to consider the ‘follower’ angle... and rightly so. The leader could be the best in the world, but without their followers they’re nothing. https://twitter.com/themavericksgt/status/1246363372574126080

Previously, as RetentionSNCO, I was too aware that a common gripe with NTT SP was a chronic lack of appreciation. IMHO this permeates across a lot of the Org. We have to celebrate successes, not always downwards. Followers: speak about unseen wins and praise good work.

Similar to praise where praise is due, defend where defence is due! Hearing someone bad-mouth people 24/7? Are they chronic moaners? Are they damaging the professional status of someone & why? A good follower nips that in the bud. After all, followers are leaders in trg.

Why do some followers not do points raised in ?

Cynic view: gameplay - want others/mission to fail or perform badly. Unmotivated. Unfulfilled.

Less cynic: difficult culture, group think, to fit in, bystanders. Uninspired. Uncommitted.

Still a follower, but a sheep

Leadership is a behaviour that influences performance (positive or negative performance!)... so is followership. You, whether leading or following, have the power 2 deliberately fuck things up if you wish. James Kerr’s Rule No.6 applies equally to following; don’t be a dick.

I recall being bollocked by an SUC because I dared to say that the CO was also a follower (during a presentation). He had mentors, he had a boss, he was inspired by people.

He. Was. A. Follower.

Leadership and Followership are two sides of the same coin. Hear me out.

If one claims not to follow anybody else, like I see in some ALPHA MALE style “leadership” books (I follow nobody, I am the alpha, I know I’m the best there is, everybody looks to me(?!)... you declare yourself unteachable. Thus, you think you’re perfect... and you’re alone.

I recently read that the best leaders of today were the best team members of yesterday. This plays directly into the hands of followership. I implore you, give the below 3 minute video a watch; think about the dancers being the ‘team’.

. @Long_Tailed_Tit passed on a befitting quote, again this was in a leadership context tweet which turned to followership (they often do without this being explicitly acknowledged).

The follower enacts that which is directed by the leader. Some with gusto, others not so much.

Nothing gets done without followers.

So, getting right to the heart of the point... #followership is everything #leadership is and more. It takes guts to follow, esp if the leader is an utter arse.

Lead well, follow well.

“If you want to go far, take a team” - John Wooden