Heart of Leadership

by Dr. Denise Trudeau Poskas

At the heart of effective leadership is skillful strategic followership.  Trying to understand how influences of both the leader and the follower impact leadership effectiveness, leader-member exchange (LMX) theory has focused on the development and effects of this relationship (Graen & Uhl-Bien, 1999).  Strategic followership is a philosophy of allowing this relationship to have flexibility in context.  By this, it means the leader realizes that the leader/follower relationship is the key to effectiveness. Strategic followership means the leader allows themselves to at times guide the follower while other times, allowing the follower to have more autonomy.
 

(Image via Shutterstock.)

Leaders lead better also when they understand active followership. By placing themselves in the role of followers when applicable a leader relinquishes the need to oversee everything and learns the value of empowering others resourcefulness.  Whether we lead or follow, we are responsible for our actions and influence” Chaleff.  Leaders that embrace strategic followership rely on communication, resourcefulness, encouragement and accountability.  They determine to what extent their followers need autonomy.  In order to practice strategic followership there are four strategies:

1. Assess what you do well
2. Know your limitations
3. Surround yourself with people who are exceptional at what you are not
4. Choose Boundaries

At the heart of leadership is understanding the importance of surrounding yourself with active, empowered followers that can move the mission forward.  This requires all to know their resources, develop skills, and work together for effective change.