How do you demonstrate initiative and creativity as a follower?

1 Understand your role

The first step to being a proactive and innovative follower is to understand your role and expectations. What are the goals, values, and vision of your team and organization? What are the tasks, responsibilities, and standards of your position? How do you fit into the bigger picture? By clarifying your role, you can align your actions with the purpose and direction of your group, and identify opportunities to add value and improve outcomes.

2 Seek feedback and learning

The second step to being a dynamic and creative follower is to seek feedback and learning. How do you measure your performance and progress? How do you solicit and receive constructive criticism from your leader and peers? How do you learn from your mistakes and successes? By seeking feedback and learning, you can enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence, and discover new ways to solve problems and generate ideas.

3 Take initiative and ownership

The third step to being a resourceful and inventive follower is to take initiative and ownership. How do you go beyond the minimum requirements and expectations of your role? How do you anticipate and address challenges and opportunities? How do you take responsibility for your actions and results? By taking initiative and ownership, you can demonstrate your commitment, motivation, and self-reliance, and make a positive impact on your team and organization.

4 Collaborate and communicate

The fourth step to being a cooperative and imaginative follower is to collaborate and communicate. How do you work with others to achieve shared goals and objectives? How do you share your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions with your leader and peers? How do you listen to and respect different perspectives and feedback? By collaborating and communicating, you can foster trust, rapport, and synergy, and leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of your group.

5 Embrace change and innovation

The fifth step to being a flexible and original follower is to embrace change and innovation. How do you adapt to changing situations and expectations? How do you welcome new ideas and approaches? How do you experiment and try new things? By embracing change and innovation, you can show your openness, curiosity, and resilience, and contribute to the continuous improvement and growth of your team and organization.

6 Develop yourself and others

The sixth step to being a growth-oriented and creative follower is to develop yourself and others. How do you set and pursue your personal and professional goals? How do you seek and offer mentoring, coaching, and support? How do you celebrate and recognize your achievements and those of others? By developing yourself and others, you can show your leadership potential, influence, and value, and inspire others to follow your example.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?