“If you think of yourself as a follower by nature, habit, personality, preference, giftedness, etc., or if you know someone who does, then consider an excellent book written especially for you, Embracing Followership…. A great book for understanding, valuing, and enjoying the work of following and appreciating those who follow with exceptional grace, satisfaction, and effectiveness.”   

-Richard Kriegbaum, author of Leadership Prayers, in his forthcoming work on followership

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Hamlin “writes in support of the honor and value of followership.”

-Herbert F. Lamp Jr., in Journey With Me: Spiritual Formation for Global Workers (p.137)

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“Concepts from Embracing Followership truly have embedded in the way we think as a small administrative/support team (5 people). We actually have adopted the ‘ripe banana’ concept [Chapter 6] as a team and added an image of a ripe banana amidst green bananas on the top of our team meeting agenda template – it is wonderful because as we’ve added new staff the image prompts curiosity which leads to discussion about the concepts from the book! And often we remind each other to be ‘ripe bananas’ with our co-workers in terms of modeling desired behavior and ways of thinking. (more…)

“I found Hamlin’s work to be interesting, deep and thought-provoking. I would read a paragraph and then quickly consider my own work and contemplate how the ideas related to my experiences. Then I’d go back and re-read! (more…)

“Allen has written a helpful resource for people who have read his book and want to go deeper together. The chapters tie right in with the text of the book. He also offers detailed assistance with helping people apply the concepts to their workplace, volunteering roles, and church and ministry.” (more…)

“Embracing Followership is well-written and well-thought out. The accessible language and clear categories make an otherwise nuanced topic easy to wrap your mind around. It is a necessary read for leaders as much as followers (more…)

“Allen Hamlin’s book caused me to think of followership in a fresh way….if you are a bit like me, and your mind really is in a ‘leader-centric’ world, then let this book cause you to feel uncomfortable and make you think about followership.”

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“For the sake of our personal lives, our companies, our churches, our organizations, our cities, our nation, and our world, we need more and more people (a vast majority in fact) who are not only willing to embrace their role as followers, but to thrive in their role. This book helps lay down the tracks for each of us to understand and thrive as followers…. I feel like this book will serve anyone well who wants a good foundation for thinking, acting, and thriving as a good follower.” (more…)

“Hamlin offers much practical advice for followers – time management, rest, stewardship, respect, etc. He also is thorough in highlighting the potential obstacles to following well. But at the core of Hamlin’s approach are the areas of communication and relationship with one’s leader.” (more…)

“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 to be great at what they do and to enjoy it.” (more…)

“Written as a response to the leader-centric culture we live in, Allen takes his readers through what he calls true followership and how we as a culture have skewed our view of what it means to be a follower and what it means to follow well.

Ironically who I think this should be read by the most are people that this book claims not to be for. Leaders of any level of influence would be encouraged and challenged by this book, correcting some of the ‘I’m first, so you must be second’ mindsets that have gotten us this far.

Embracing Followership is gracefully written and would be the perfect read for anyone struggling with their position of influence or wishing to become excellent followers.” (more…)

“Hamlin illustrates the book with personal stories and plenty of quotes. He provides a comprehensive and critical reading of the literature, mindful of dynamics and opportunities for good followership…. Hamlin’s context is the not-for-profit world, but his message is broadly applicable for non-profits, churches and businesses. Followers will find plenty of food for thought on how to pursue  vocational excellence wherever they are…. Leaders will find encouragement and insights for nurturing followers and the the environment of those they lead.” (more…)

“Immediately after reading the introduction to the book, I knew I was in for a treat, and that this book would really help me in where I’m currently working…. This book was written not merely to inform the follower, but to equip him as well…. This book intends to be comprehensive in nature, addressing how the follower views himself, the leader he works under, and his fellow followers, and how the leader should view him. It’s a wide-angle look into the world of followership, and it is a truly empowering resource for those who find themselves in positions of being a follower.” (more…)

“The theme of embracing followership is an empowering concept that every person needs to build into the fabric of their lives. It is a an important theme that is underemphasized in leadership circles. Hamlin’s work is a needed corrective to a misunderstood and neglected subject.” (more…)

“All too often we forget that strong leadership implies that people are following. This is an excellent treatment of a topic that is mostly ignored. Just about anybody can benefit from reading this book.”

“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. (more…)

“I love Allen’s heart and the book God has grown out of who he is. He is right. We live in a ‘leader-driven culture’ where there is little focus on the spiritual integrity and dignity of ‘followership.’ Jesus called us to ‘follow Him,’ and the church is the strongest when together we follow Him and the design He has for us as His people. We are called to excel in followership. Well done, Allen, and thank you.”
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“Hamlin writes this book for those who know they aren’t a leader but don’t want to ‘settle’ as a follower.  He provides a new paradigm for understanding and acknowledging the value of followership.  This book provides renewed purpose and encouragement for the role of followers in teams and organizations.”

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“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 of both.”

Read more reflections about Embracing Followership on the Endorsements page.

“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.” (more…)