By Andre Branch
When I enrolled at the University of Michigan to begin my Master of Business Administration studies at what is now called the Ross School of Business, I knew that my life would take a vastly different path from the one that it was on previously. I was lucky enough to be chosen to attend one of the country’s best business schools. The MBA program at Ross, similar to programs found at other “elite” institutions, had a reputation for cultivating future organizational leaders. The next generation of CEOs and entrepreneurs were being developed in the Petri dish that was Ann Arbor. Newly minted MBAs are released out into the world with a sense of purpose and are eager to step up to the helm of their organizations, hoping to create value and ultimately, some legacy for themselves. I remember arriving at my first assignment eager to show my first post-MBA employer, Kraft Foods, of what I was capable. I wanted them to “give me the ball.” I couldn’t wait to get into the position where I could call the shots. With each promotion I assumed more and more responsibilities. After a number of promotions and watching some of the senior interactions in my organization, I soon discovered two things: 1) leadership isn’t always about having the final word on decision making and 2) no matter how far you progress in your career, having the final word is an illusion because, there is always someone to whom you must answer. The first lesson was about influence; the latter – what I would like you to consider – involved followership.
(photo credit: Shutterstock)
Indeed, leadership is not a privilege reserved only for MBAs. Many of us aspire to greater positions in our organizations; those with more responsibility, more authority, more compensation – the leaders. Few often talk about being better followers. In fact, if you do an Amazon.com search on “books on leadership,” the engine returns 92,607 options. If you search “books on followership,” you are greeted with a whopping 137 entries. Most of us want to run the show. In my daily interactions, I am often amazed by the frustration of subordinates or peers when they are overruled by someone with higher decision making authority. So many of us are looking to be the “shot caller”; so much so that our attention begins to focus on the next boss or the next job or the next department – surely life will be better there, we rationalize. The reality is that this type of thinking will keep you chasing after a myth that will ultimately end in disappointment. As you progress in your career the most you can hope for is that you exercise enough judgment and deliver enough results to be allowed to weigh in on more or even greater decisions….but you will never get ultimate decision making authority. At the end of the day, the President of a Division has to answer to the CEO. The country CEO has to answer to the Global CEO and the Board of Directors. And so on. Once you accept that we are all followers, fulfillment and satisfaction become easier to achieve in your day-to-day work.
What does it mean to be a follower? Well, there are, at least, 137 books on the topic but if you want some thoughts on how you can immediately impact your ability to be a great follower, consider these principles:
Be True to Your Word
It is a simple human principle that holds true across the spectrum of life but many people unfortunately treat their words as if they are worthless. The people in your life want to know that they can count on you. Leaders give more value to subordinates on whom they can rely. Honoring your commitments is the first and foremost necessity in being a great follower. If you say you will do something, be sure to deliver on it; if you cannot, be transparent about it as soon as realize you cannot honor the commitment.
Support the Team
Do you stoke team spirit and camaraderie or do you detract from it? When you put the team agenda above your own, you start to make the whole greater than the sum of the parts. There is still room for individual achievement and acknowledgement but everyone should embrace the idea that the goal of the team takes priority. Being a team player creates a more supportive and enriching environment for yourself and others.
Make Your Boss Look Good
Rising tides raise all ships. Helping your boss achieve success only benefits you in the long run. If your boss is successful, she will want to replicate that success and most likely take you with her to higher ground when she reaps the rewards. The organization will also know that you were part of her achievements so your reputation will be enhanced. Watch your boss’ back and ensure her safe passage to the promise land; she will not forget it. (Caveat: when dealing with an unscrupulous boss with questionable ethics, this rule may not apply. Look forward to a future piece on that topic.)
Show Some Initiative
Contrary to popular belief, leaders do not have all of the answers. Being a leader is a huge responsibility. Leaders cannot possibly think of nor do everything that needs to be done. Leaders appreciate team members who can share some of this burden with them. Show some initiative by bringing solutions or information that you think is critical to your boss. Help him before he knows he needs help and he’ll love you for it.
Be Honest
Be an honest person in every aspect of your dealings with others and they will respect you for it. Be honest about your perspective, skillset, mistakes, etc. Honesty creates trust. Trust creates stronger relationships. And the depth and breadth of your relationships have a positive correlation with your success in life.
Being a great follower leads to greater empathy, teamwork, stronger execution, and a reputation of trustworthiness…all important traits of great leaders. If you demonstrate your ability to be a great follower, ironically, you will be trusted with more responsibility and authority. Over the course of time, your sphere of influence will expand. Being a great leader begins with being a great follower.
André Branch is a successful, business leader who has led some of the world’s most iconic brands. He currently works a beauty industry executive in New York City where he also resides. Branch holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan.
