The Principle of Followership in General Management

The Principle of Followership in General Management

Introduction: In a gathering of people, if asked "How many of you want to be Leaders?", the automatic response would be the raising of most hands because everyone wants to be in a position of power, control, and Command. Have we ever thought of the following questions: -

1.If everyone wants to be Leader, then who will he/she be leading?

2.If everyone wants to be a Leader, then who will be Follower?

3.If everyone wants to be a leader, does that mean he/she has never been a Follower?

If the above three questions are focused upon, only a single answer will emerge—A GOOD LEADER HAS TO BE A GOOD FOLLOWER AT SOME POINT IN TIME.

Look carefully at the above sentence and think inward, certain key Leadership Qualities will surface in the mind's eye, viz.

1. Patience & Perseverance

2. Care & Compassion

3. Empathy for People

4. Loyalty towards Organisation & People

5. Fairness towards all

6. Transparency in all dealings

7. Straightforwardness & Honesty

8. Discipline

9. Knowledge

10. Conviction

11. Critical Thinking

12. Standing up for People

If above dozen aspects were to be considered as primary Quality Traits of a Leader, then these are the same Value-system which are imbibed deep into every good Follower because the same habit-system later reinforces in an individual who transitions from a one-time Follower into a future Leader. These are the pre-requisites that are needed for a Follower to build his/her own capacity to lead in the future.

A question to be asked—would a Natural Leader be essentially more ambitious than a Sincere Follower? Answer may be Yes & No, but the underlying truth is that no Leader can pre-determine his/her elevation to a Leadership Position unless he or she has been groomed for such a role through external mentoring and internal/emotional building process. Hence, Time is of essence.

Three Types of Followership: -

The Deputy/Second-in-Command: The individual supports the leader's vision.

The Committed Team Member: The individual consistently goes above and beyond, makes their boss look good, and builds trust, creating a strong foundation for influence and growth.

The "Servant Leader" Follower: The individual who puts organizational needs first, building strong relationships both vertically and horizontally across his/her working-levels.

In conclusion, Leaders are Not Born....Leaders are Made through Values, Convictions, Beliefs and very importantly, circumstances.

****************************

Let's understand more:

Skills required for the hospitality industry:

· Communication Skills

· Customer Service Skills

· Teamwork

· Problem-Solving Skills

· Attention to Detail

· Organizational Skills

· Leadership & Management Skills

Career opportunities in the hospitality industry?