An article at success.com identified nine characteristics found in people who make excellent followers.
1. Good communication skills
Good followers are by no means submissive types, only waiting to be told what to do. On the contrary, research suggests they are not afraid to speak out and offer opinions where appropriate.
2. Proactive behaviour
Again, though it may seem counter-intuitive, good followers do not hide in a crowd but rather display energy and initiative in getting the job done.
3. Social awareness
Such people are friendly by nature and have the necessary skills for building networks.
4. Team player
They make great team members, placing a high value on cooperation with others.
5. Responsibility
Though their position is less onerous than that of a leader, followers are still responsible for their own performance and how they conduct themselves at work.
6. Flexibility
Good followers must be able quickly to adapt to changing circumstances.
7. Integrity
It is important to be honest both with oneself and others.
8. Commitment
Some people may do their job adequately even without commitment but such a mindset hardly makes for an honest team player.
9. Proficiency
All the above characteristics will count for little if the person is actually not very good at their job. One highly valued competency is an ability to foresee and stave off any impending crisis.
As hinted above, the negative aspect of followership becomes evident if the employee is at the mercy of an oppressive, dictatorial boss. If this is not the case and you are quite content in your current position, it makes no sense to force your way up the ladder. You will experience greater job satisfaction and be much happier in the role of a follower.
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