The Art of Followership

The Art of Followership

Have you been in the business section of a bookstore lately? Then you know there are no shortage of books on how to be a leader—including how to walk, talk and even dress. But alas, we can't all be leaders. In fact, most of us will be followers. Where's that book? Well, it exists now that Ronald E. Riggio, Ira Chaleff and Jean Lipman-Blumen turned those leadership books on their heads in The Art of Followership. And, as the authors argue, followership is more important now than it ever has been. Why? Well, leaders haven't been all that great lately, and the worst of the bunch often have made terrible mistakes despite the advice of others. That, of course, shines more light on the need for fantastic followers— engaged employees offering sound feedback up the chain of command. Come to think of it, those folks probably would make great leaders, wouldn't they?