Tag: followership

Mutiny or Association?

by A.H., posted in analogies, reflections, study03, study11, study12

There are basically two choices when it comes to following: mutiny or association.

As I embarked on my journey of exploring followership, the 1954 film The Caine Mutiny was recommended to me as a worthwhile watch. I tend to enjoy all things related to the sea anyway, so this movie, set aboard a US Naval vessel, certainly appealed to my interests.

The story revolves around the USS Caine and the assignment of Lt. Commander Queeg (Humphrey Bogart) to replace her previous captain. Queeg displays a variety of odd behaviors, including being highly suspicious of most of the crew, and some of the officers eventually (and questionably) remove him from command. Continue reading “Mutiny or Association?” →

In the Words of Ira Chaleff…

by A.H., posted in endorsements

Allen – Reading an excerpt from your forthcoming book on followership I am impressed with the elevating language you use to imbue this form of relationship with service, grace and individuality. I look forward to more.

There have been a number of books that have helped me along in my journey of followership, much as I hope my book will in turn be helpful to others. Ira Chaleff is the author of The Courageous Follower, a book I reference frequently and build from as I present my own ideas in Embracing Followership. Ira recently honored me by sharing the above words. Continue reading “In the Words of Ira Chaleff…” →

Your Thoughts?…on Rest

by A.H., posted in questions, study05

Do you work in order to rest, or do you rest in order to work?

I devote one chapter of Embracing Followership to the concept of rest being a significant resource, one that’s necessary for us in order to follow with excellence. As I’ve contemplated the idea, I’ve come across at least two perspectives on rest. Continue reading “Your Thoughts?…on Rest” →

Excerpt: Followership is Relationship

by A.H., posted in excerpt, study01, study07

I am excited that the development of the book is moving forward, and while I can’t share the entire work with you yet, I am enjoying the opportunity to provide you with a new excerpt from time to time to encourage your thinking about followership.

Last time, I shared with you that one of the core behaviors associated with excellent followership is simply participating in whatever your group or organization is doing. Today, I want to steer you towards one of the defining aspects of followership: followership is relationship.

I share these words at the very end of the book: Continue reading “Excerpt: Followership is Relationship” →

Excellent Followership: Spiderweb, Not Hamster Wheel

by A.H., posted in analogies, study06, study07, study09

If you had to choose, would you rather be in a spiderweb or a hamster wheel? Sure, hamsters are cute and fluffy, but their wheels don’t go anywhere. Perhaps no better, spiderwebs can be sticky and tricky, and perhaps a bit freaky.

I’ve been musing on the idea of “support” recently. In my current role at work, I consider my primary responsibility to provide support to the 5 men and women that report to me. The focus of my efforts and my first priority is to try to determine how I can position myself and deploy resources to assist them in fulfilling their jobs.

We might call that “downward support.” Continue reading “Excellent Followership: Spiderweb, Not Hamster Wheel” →

Excerpt: Participate!

by A.H., posted in excerpt, study04, study12

This is the grand debut! This blog post contains the first ever release of an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Embracing Followership!

Much of my experience of growing in followership has been two-fold: adopting a right perspective–about myself, my circumstances, my leader, and my peers–and then also adopting right behaviors–in the way I communicate, the activities I engage in, and the habits I form.

I blogged recently about the core truth that we all have something to contribute (see A Necessary Contribution). The truth that we each have something unique and valuable to bring to an organization is one such right perspective that we will each benefit from adopting. But, there is also a consequent action that should accompany this right thinking. Continue reading “Excerpt: Participate!” →

A Necessary Contribution

by A.H., posted in reflections, study02, study05, study07

One of the struggles I’ve faced in my own followership is wondering whether my contribution is significant, or even needed. When we see ourselves as just one cog in a large organizational machine, it may be easy for us to dismiss the value of our participation. If we perceive our role as being nothing terribly special, if we overlook our personal uniqueness in terms of talents, experiences, and perspective, then we may conclude that our involvement is optional.

If we don’t show up, we won’t be missed. Continue reading “A Necessary Contribution” →