Most qualities associated with being an effective leader are mirrored by that of effective followers. Both are committed to the same purpose. Both have obligations to the team as well as the individuals within it. Both live by shared values and standards. And both are expected to show behaviours consistent with, and complimentary to, the expectations of military service and the society we serve. Thus, it is the respective responsibilities of each role that defines the difference. An individual’s character, motivations, and experience, coupled with the environment they are working in (leaders, peers, climate, culture and task), all influence behaviour. Follower effectiveness can therefore be assessed across two continuums: the level of a follower’s engagement, from passive to active; and their ability to exercise independent, critical thinking. The result is a presentation of five dominant followership behavioural styles: 🤩 Exemplary Followers (Stars). Exemplary followers are fundamental to mission success. Responsible, motivated, and professional, they engender trust. 😤 Alienated Followers (Cynics). Alienated followers are independent and critical in their thinking but passive, or even destructive, in carrying out their role. 🫢 Passive Follower (Sheep). Susceptible followers with no sense of responsibility. They are passive, lack initiative and independence of thought, and blindly conform to others. Exploitive or toxic leadership cultures that repress individual contributions and challenge will undoubtably encourage such obedient compliance. 🫡 Conformist Followers (‘Yes’ People). Followers who are more proactive than the passive followers but still lack initiative and critical thought. 🤕 Pragmatist Followers (Survivors). Pragmatist followers act not out of loyalty to the leader, the team, or to the mission, but according to their own self-interests and preservation. #leadership #learning #leaders #leadershipdevelopment #leader #development #Followership