Followership: Learn to obey before you take charge Published Feb. 21, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Richard Fischer 48th Communications Squadron ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- How many times have you heard the cliché, "lead, follow or get out of the way?" Those who choose to get out of the way must be quickly corrected or let go. Everyone is a follower. In fact, before you can lead, you have to learn to follow. The first step in becoming a great leader is mastering the concepts of followership. Following is a natural part of organizational cultures. In my 23 years in the Air Force, I have had the privilege to follow great leaders in various wartime and in-garrison tours. Able leaders emerge from the ranks of adept followers. So what makes a follower become a great leader? Leaders nurture and develop followers; thereby, increasing an organization's mission capability. Followers must have certain attributes to help them develop into great leaders. Here is a simple mnemonic, using some of the many attributes of followership: Flexibility We are in a changing world. As an example, the Air Force is in the midst of cutting 40,000 active duty manpower positions in the next five years. This will affect every organization's manpower. Followers must have the flexibility to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Organizational understanding Leaders must always share their unit's mission and vision. Followers will then be able to know how their work contributes to the overall unit, wing and higher missions. Listening This communication skill is often considered the weakest. In fact, it once cost the job of a college professor of mine. He was asked the question during a job interview: "What do you think of this position?" He replied: "Who's disposition?" The interviewer had a strong accent not understood by my professor. Followers must listen carefully, ask again if they don't understand, and respond to ideas and needs of others. Learning Learning should never stop, no matter what stage of life. Great followers pursue the proper training and then utilize it to improve their organization. Even though some changes aren't successful, those that are pay great dividends. Many years ago, each of us in the Air Force went through Quality AF training, and we heard the catch phrase, "Do more with less." Rapid manpower cuts were made; therefore, it was imperative processes be conducted with fewer people. Today, we are on track to do less work with less manpower as people find ways to cut unnecessary work. We must make learning and training others a top priority to continue organizational improvement. Obligation Fulfill duties and responsibilities with the highest level of follower commitment. Followers have an obligation to their own individual duties and must ensure their duties are completed with the highest quality to, in turn, succeed in the unit or higher level mission. Watch Be aware of what's going on around you. Experience and clear understanding of directives, policies and procedures go a long way. Watch to learn. If you don't understand a process in your organization, ask questions or ask to see it in action. Additionally, watch to correct. What is the correct action to take when you approach a military member with an AFI 36-2903 uniform violation? It's your duty to speak up and correct. Be constantly vigilant, and don't become complacent. Enthusiasm Be the first to volunteer for a task or project, and then perform it with gusto. It may be a great enlisted or officer performance report bullet when completed. More importantly, in doing so you develop and improve skills and knowledge as well as forge professional relationships. Followers must tackle all tasks with enthusiasm. Respect If any organization you're assigned to is going to be the best it can be, treat everyone with respect and show them you care. Followers' contributions to goals are extremely valuable. If they are not respected as an individual, the contributions and their self-esteem may falter, discouraging them from contributing in the future. Steadfastness All organizations need workers who are dependable and can be relied upon. Followers must be steadfast, dependable and loyal. Honesty Followers must be sincere and willing to tell the truth. Without honest feedback and information from the follower, his or her development into an effective leader is in jeopardized. Integrity As an Air Force core value, integrity is vital to followership. Followers need to have the willingness to act according to do what is right even when no one is looking, identify values and be true to them. What would you do if you knew a cashier handed you too much change? Do you pocket it, knowing the teller must pay out of pocket at the end of shift, or let them know of the error? Pride We all serve to defend our nation. Be proud to serve. Pride is reflected in every aspect of your behavior. Your uniform is the symbol by which many measure how you show your pride in the Air Force. Followers need to take pride in their unit, beliefs and country. Although these attributes are essential to good followership, it isn't exhaustive or conclusive. Many experts talk about other follower qualities, needs and attributes. Some additional sources of followership information can be found in various Air University publications and on-line. Leaders are best evaluated on the basis of organizational success and how well they develop their followers. Your measure as a leader is demonstrated in the actions and successes of your followers.