Dynamic Leadership conference

You have been asked by your manager to present at this year’s annual Dynamic Leadership conference. The subject of your presentation is on followership and how it contributes to effective leadership in a business context.
The basic outline for this presentation will include three sections:
Section 1: Followership Defined
Section 2: The Leader-Follower Interaction
Section 3: Traits of Leadership and Followership

Full Answer Section

   

Leadership is the process of influencing others to achieve a common goal. Followership is the process of being influenced by a leader and contributing to the achievement of a common goal.

In other words, leaders need followers, and followers need leaders. They are both essential for creating a successful team or organization.

What is a good follower?

A good follower is someone who:

  • Is committed to the team or organization's goals
  • Is willing to work hard and be accountable for their actions
  • Is open to feedback and willing to learn
  • Is able to think critically and challenge the status quo when necessary
  • Is supportive of the leader and other team members

Section 2: The Leader-Follower Interaction

The leader-follower interaction is a complex and dynamic process. It is influenced by a number of factors, including the leader's style, the follower's personality, and the context in which they are working.

In general, however, there are a few key things that leaders and followers can do to create a positive and productive leader-follower relationship.

Leaders:

  • Be clear about your vision and goals.
  • Communicate effectively with your followers.
  • Be trustworthy and reliable.
  • Be supportive and encouraging.
  • Be open to feedback.

Followers:

  • Be committed to the team or organization's goals.
  • Be willing to work hard and be accountable for your actions.
  • Be open to feedback and willing to learn.
  • Be able to think critically and challenge the status quo when necessary.
  • Be supportive of the leader and other team members.

Section 3: Traits of Leadership and Followership

There are a number of traits that are associated with effective leadership and followership. Some of these traits are common to both leaders and followers, while others are more specific to one or the other role.

Traits of Effective Leaders

  • Visionary: Leaders have a clear vision for the future and are able to articulate it to others.
  • Decisive: Leaders are able to make decisions quickly and confidently.
  • Communicative: Leaders are effective communicators who are able to motivate and inspire others.
  • Trustworthy: Leaders are honest and reliable and have the trust of their followers.
  • Empowering: Leaders give their followers the authority and resources they need to be successful.
  • Adaptive: Leaders are able to adapt to change and are always looking for new ways to improve.

Traits of Effective Followers

  • Committed: Followers are committed to the team or organization's goals.
  • Hardworking: Followers are willing to work hard and be accountable for their actions.
  • Open to feedback: Followers are open to feedback and willing to learn.
  • Critical thinkers: Followers are able to think critically and challenge the status quo when necessary.
  • Supportive: Followers are supportive of the leader and other team members.

Conclusion

Leadership and followership are two essential components of any successful team or organization. By understanding the roles of leaders and followers, and by developing the necessary traits, we can create a positive and productive leader-follower relationship that will lead to success.

Sample Answer

 

Good morning everyone. My name is [your name] and I'm here today to talk to you about followership and how it contributes to effective leadership in a business context.

Section 1: Followership Defined

Leadership and followership are two sides of the same coin. They are interdependent and complementary roles that are essential for the success of any organization.