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On willingness to be led: Reflective questions for the follower


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A lot focus is often directed on encouraging effective and good leadership. However there is limited focus placed on people’s willingness to be led. Some would argue that people are willing to be led by someone who has good leadership skills. While this is true and while it is important for a leader to set the tone and lead by example, it is also important for those who are being led to also play their role in facilitating a manageable leadership journey for their leaders.

Here are a few questions that may assist you in reflecting on your role and journey as someone who is being led:

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Do you consider yourself as someone who is easy to lead?

How do you deal with constructive criticism and feedback? Are you able to sit with it, metabolize and work on improving on the areas of development suggested by your leader? Are you always defensive?

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Do you talk about your leader in their absence?

Is it easy for you to participate or even initiate gossip about your leader? How do you respond when someone initiates gossip about your leader?

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Have you ever imagined how it must be, to be in your leader’s shoes?

We often have high expectations of our leaders. While this is reasonable, considering their position, we sometimes forget that leaders are also humans who are capable of mistakes. How do you respond to your leader’s mistakes? Do you chose to embarrass/expose or do you chose to build? How you build is also important. 

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How aligned are you to your leaders vision? 

Do you make an effort to understand and practically support your leader’s vision? How willing are you to go an extra mile, either through innovation and delivering on your job on time and effectively? Can your leader rely on you? What would you like your leader to know you for?

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What is successful leadership?

Is it always about the leader? Yes it is, however those who are led also have a role to play. When you engage in your leader’s vision with willingness to support and see their vision and the company’s vision to fruition, you are playing your role in supporting successful leadership. 

 


 

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