In the last byte, we began our discussion by classifying followers. In today’s byte, we continue this discussion to understand the classification better.
- Alienated Followers: these followers think independently and critically, however are passive in their behavior. The result is in these people being psychologically and emotionally distanced from their leaders. They could potentially be disruptive and act as a threat to the health of the organization.
- Sheep: are followers who do not think independently or critically and are passive in their behavior. They just follow what is being told by their leader.
- Yes People: these are followers who also do not think independently or critically, yet are very active in their behavior! The uncritically reinforce the thinking and ideas of their leaders with enthusiasm, never question or challenge the leader’s ideas and proposals! Being surrounded by yes people could be dangerous to a leader because they are the most likely to give a false positive reaction and no warning of potential pitfalls.
- Survivors: these followers are the least disruptive and the lowest risk followers in an organization. Their behavior could be understood as – “better safe than sorry”.
We shall discuss about effective leaders in the next byte.
