Robert Kelley’s article, “In Praise of Followers,” outlines the qualities of different types of followers. In doing so, he also outlines the qualities of leaders. Kelley argues that effective followers and effective leaders exemplify the same qualities like self-management, commitment to an organization, purpose, or person outside of themselves, honesty, and credibility. I was really surprised to see that connection. Our society pushes forth the idea that being a leader is something that we should all aspire to be. I am sure that when each of us were completing our college applications, we were at some point asked to explain a time when we have demonstrated leadership. Why have we ignored the fact that followers are just as important as leaders? To point out the obvious, a leader will never lead if they have no one to follow.<\/p>\n
Kelley explains that as a society, we have stereotyped leaders and followers. Followers are seen as less than, unequal to, and in need of leadership. This stereotype needs to be shifted. Under capitalism, we aim to maximize profits. Self-managed followers are actually a cost advantage to a business, considering they do not need “elaborate supervisory control systems.” On top of that, effective followers know how to satisfy corporate goals. Above all else, followers are way more valuable to companies than we realize.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Robert Kelley’s article, “In Praise of Followers,” outlines the qualities of different types of followers. In doing so, he also outlines the qualities of leaders.…<\/p>\n