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:
- Assess what you do well
- Know your limitations
- Surround yourself with people who are exceptional at what you are not
- 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.
