Where can someone who prefers to work behind the scenes - a "follower" who values contribution over command—turn for guidance and training?

Where can someone who prefers to work behind the scenes—who values contribution over command—turn for guidance and training?

?Surprisingly, resources for followers are scarce. While leadership programs abound, materials aimed at helping individuals grow as followers are almost nonexistent. This gap is striking, especially given that the success of any leader hinges on the effectiveness of their followers.

?Do you see the paradox?

?For nearly three decades, I’ve been privileged to work with extraordinary leaders and mentors—people like Milan Puskar, founder of Mylan Laboratories; Doug Leech, founder of Centra Bank; and yes, even John Maxwell himself. Their wisdom, guidance, and generosity taught me the nuances of effective leadership.

Over the course of my 36-year business career, I’ve talked with thousands of business leaders.? Since 2017, I’ve interviewed hundreds of business owners and leaders on my weekly podcast “Positively West Virginia.” And each episode I ask these leaders about their thoughts on leadership.? What I found is the universal truth that everything rises and falls on leadership.

But I’ve also observed another truth: as much as leadership requires training,?followership requires it just as much.?It’s not enough to be a leader of vision and charisma. A leader without effective followers is like a captain with no crew.

?“He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”

―?John Maxwell

Followership, contrary to popular belief, isn’t about passively “doing what you’re told.” It’s an active, intentional role that demands discipline, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Yet society often overlooks its significance, assuming that following is easy or innate.

This assumption is wrong.

?Great followership is as much a skill as great leadership. It requires:

• Humility?to serve without seeking the spotlight.
• Courage?to challenge decisions respectfully when necessary.
• Loyalty?to the mission and the leader, even during difficult times.
• Proactivity?to take initiative and contribute meaningfully.

Throughout history, we’ve seen the impact of effective followership:

• Joshua served under Moses for 40 years before leading the Israelites to the Promised Land.
• Elisha followed Elijah for a decade before continuing his mentor’s prophetic legacy.
• Alexander the Great followed his teacher Aristotle, whose philosophies shaped his strategies as a world-changing leader.
• Helen Keller followed her teacher Anne Sullivan, whose guidance helped her overcome immense challenges and become a renowned author and activist.
• The Apostle Peter followed Jesus, learning from His teachings and example, before becoming the cornerstone of the early church.
• Mahatma Gandhi followed the teachings of nonviolent leaders like Leo Tolstoy, which influenced his philosophy of peaceful resistance that reshaped India's fight for independence.
• Florence Nightingale followed the guidance of her mentors in statistics and medicine, which equipped her to revolutionize modern nursing.
• Ruth followed Naomi, demonstrating loyalty and faith, ultimately becoming part of the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.

?In contrast, history’s worst leaders often failed because they never learned to follow. Tyranny, dysfunction, and failure often result when leaders lack the humility and empathy developed through followership.

My upcoming book: Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership is about changing that narrative. Coming in 2025!

InnerAction Media