LA - Chapter 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic of a follower according to the Cambridge English dictionary?

Leading by example

Great interest and support in someone or something (correct)

Making a positive impact on those around you

Providing for those around you

As a first line supervisor, you should have great interest in, support, and believe in.....

Being able to lead without the support of your people

The mission of your department (correct)

Ignoring the vision given by your leader

Being solely focused on your personal interests

What did Dr. Kelley emphasize about the importance of followers in organizations?

Both leaders and followers play a crucial role (correct)

Their role is insignificant compared to leaders

Followers' actions have no impact on organizational outcomes

The success of organizations depends solely on the leaders

Why does the text mention that everyone will always have a boss?

To highlight that followership is an essential part of any profession Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest if an individual always feels that the problem lies with their boss or team members?

They might need to reassess their own behavior and attitudes Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the best leaders' approach to leadership?

By leading through personal example Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of having a conversation with your boss, as stated in the text?

To set clear goals and expectations for yourself Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to meet with your boss even if she doesn't initiate the conversation?

To clarify expectations from your new role Signup and view all the answers

What happens if there is a misunderstanding or misalignment of expectations with your boss?

You become frustrated and fail in your role Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your boss does not set clear goals and expectations for you?

Meet with your boss as soon as possible to clarify expectations Signup and view all the answers

High thinking, low engagement. They are independent critical thinkers who constantly point out all the negative aspects of the organization.

Alienated followers (cynics) Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance is it suggested that you might be working for a good leader?

When your boss sets clear goals and expectations for you Signup and view all the answers

Low thinking, low engagement. Lack any qualities of an exemplary follower. They have no commitment or engagement, lack any initiative or responsibility, and rely on the leader to do all the thinking for them.

Passive followers (sheep) Signup and view all the answers

High thinking, high engagement. These followers are the foundation of a successful organization. They are consistent, innovative, and dedicated.

Exemplary followers (superstars) Signup and view all the answers

What role did Paul play during the author's DUI training?

He volunteered as a mock suspect for field sobriety tests Signup and view all the answers

They still remain critical thinkers, but they no longer believe in the mission.

Alienated Followers (cynics) Signup and view all the answers

________ followers adopt this style to cope with a leader who expects his followers to act this way. Other times they reflect a hiring failure by the organization. Somehow, they slipped through but should never have been hired.

Passive followers (sheep) Signup and view all the answers

________ often were once exemplary followers who also experienced a leadership failure. Somewhere in their career, they worked for an authoritarian boss who, through their rigid style, drove the critical thinking out of them.

Sucks ups (Conformists) Signup and view all the answers

What was the author's initial reaction to hiring the newest member of their team?

The author regretted hiring the team member due to their past behavior. Signup and view all the answers

If possible, how can you lead your boss?

Being an exemplary follower that can respectfully challenge him/her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the scenario the author presents about a child receiving an award for being the 'Best Follower in Class'?

To illustrate the common perception that being a 'follower' is an undesirable trait, even for children. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your boss is micromanaging you

Put your ego aside and do things the way they want them done. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's implied view on the importance of developing both leadership and followership skills?

The author believes that both leadership and followership skills are equally important. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the primary goal when dealing with 'sheep' employees?

To move them from passively waiting for direction to critically thinking on their own Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended as a strategy for building trust with 'sheep' employees?

Give them tasks to complete and hold them accountable Signup and view all the answers

How should you respond when 'sheep' employees show engagement in their duties?

Recognize it with praise or positive feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of giving 'cynic' employees a problem or project to work on?

To refocus their negative energy on constructive problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'thorn' represent in the context of cynics?

An obstacle or impediment to their engagement Signup and view all the answers

Which group of employees are often neglected?

Superstars Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leadership and Followership

As a leader, it's essential to reflect on your behavior and consider the possibility that you might be the problem, not your team.
Clarity from your boss is crucial; ideally, they will set clear goals and expectations for you, and you should pay attention, take notes, and ask questions.
If your boss doesn't initiate this conversation, take the initiative to meet with them and clarify expectations.
Expectations define what you need to do to be successful, and a misunderstanding or misalignment of expectations can lead to frustration and failure.

Understanding Your Role

As a first-line supervisor, you should have a great interest in, support, and believe in the mission of your department.
Great leaders and followers support and believe in the mission of their organization.
Kelley stated, "Organizations stand or fall partly on the basis of how well their leaders lead, but partly also on the basis of how well their followers follow."

The Followership Model

The Followership Model involves recognizing and rewarding efforts, building trust, and giving tasks to complete to move individuals towards organizational engagement.
There are different types of followers, including:
- Thorns: obstacles who complain about the organization and need to have their issues addressed.
- Sheep: individuals who need direction and require building trust and accountability to become critically thinking and engaged.

Effective Leadership

Great leaders lead by example and focus on constructive problem-solving.
Effective leaders recognize and reward efforts, give tasks to complete, and hold individuals accountable.
Courageous conversations may be necessary with underperforming individuals, but don't jump to this conversation too early.

The Importance of Followership

Followership is often viewed negatively, but it's essential to recognize its importance in any organization.
Follower or followership is often treated as a dirty word, but it's a critical aspect of any team or organization.

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