Exemplary Followership
Colin L. Powell spent much of his remarkable career in advisory, not command, positions. By demonstrating the qualities of an exemplary follower, a leader presents an appropriate and realistic role model for everybody within his organization. Most people in positions of organizational authority must assume complicated dual roles as follower and leader. Rare is the leadership position that is not simultaneously a position of followership. Too often, the role of follower is seen as inherently submissive, dependent, passive, and unimaginative. On the contrary, the best and most effective followers share many characteristics with successful leaders, including competence, commitment, composure, moral conduct, and independent critical judgment.