study08 – Page 2 – Embracing Followership

One of the most prominent struggles when it comes to addressing the idea of followership is the notion of identity.

Our culture has persuaded us that being identified as a follower is a curse of resignation to the powers that be, locked into a doleful and unremarkable existence of conformity and lacking conviction.

In 2009, singer/band Bon Jovi released a song that would go on to be nominated for a Grammy. It is titled “We Weren’t Born to Follow” (lyrics; video). Ostensibly about “working people picking themselves up by their bootstraps in hard times,” reading the lyrics and viewing the music video imagery would seem to portray a more definitive viewpoint about the idea of following. Continue reading ““We weren’t born to follow”?” →

A King born in a stable. This season of Advent, leading up to the climax of Christmas, highlights for us the unfathomable surprise to be found in the marriage of majesty and the mundane.

There are few more poignant depictions of humility in Western culture than to behold a monarch being birthed in a manger.

Humility–and its accompanying virtues of submission and honor–are foundational concepts for us as we think about following with excellence. Insisting that you are superior when compared to your peers or superiors will quickly close off many opportunities for your contribution and influence.

For me, humility and unity go hand-in-hand, but there is a bit of a chicken-and-egg conundrum here. Continue reading “Humility or Unity: Which Comes First?” →

Endorsements

“This book is a must-read for leaders, as it gives a new perspective that is not on the radar of most folks. It is a must-read for folks who do not feel like leaders, as it provides a new and accurate perspective on the follower role that is both encouraging and useful in inspiring followers … Continue reading Dr Todd Coburn, professor & author

― Dr Todd Coburn, professor & author

“Embracing Followership may be among the top 10 most fresh, provocatively insightful expressions of what kind of thinking can ‘set the readers free’ from mindless cultural expectations on us that we’ve unconsciously imbibed.

― Greg Livingstone, founder, Frontiers

“Embracing Followership challenged and changed me—one of the rare books that can challenge your worldview and make you glad you read it. Allen manages to exalt followers without disparaging leaders, proving the unique value of each and providing practical steps to move us toward the mutually beneficial place of respect and value for the contributions … Continue reading T.J. MacLeslie, author, Designed for Relationship

― T.J. MacLeslie, author, Designed for Relationship

“In Embracing Followership, Hamlin has punctuated the important truth of followership—that followership is a matter of function not value. In other words, a follower’s value is found in his living out his relational followership. Hamlin gives tremendously practical ways to live this out in the context of a healthy leader/follower team.”

― Dr. Ed Scheuerman, Lancaster Bible College

Read more reflections about Embracing Followership on the Endorsements page.

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Endorsements