Great leaders often are associated with a strong presence, charisma and inspiring people to follow them. However, it also is important that leaders are able to follow.
Harvard Business Review shares the following tips to help develop the skills to be a great follower.
- Practice active listening. When you truly listen and absorb input without defensiveness, you create space for honest dialogue. Active listening helps to reduce blind spots and create psychological safety.
- Focus on purpose rather than personal credit. When you lead your team with a shared purpose and do not seek recognition, you build a team focused on results.
- Deliver reliably. Followers make things happen. Understand how work gets done and how to turn plans into results.
- Invite pushback. Good followers do not mind being challenged. Make it safe and healthy for team members to express disagreement. This helps everyone make better decisions.
- Stay coachable. Feedback should not be viewed as a threat; instead, it should fuel your work. Good followers are constantly learning so they can stay relevant and adapt.
