This assignment is a reply to a discussion that needs to be answered in a maximum of 200 words with one reference.

Michelle Conrad

Being a “follower” has been given a negative view throughout history but in order to have a leader, followers are needed (Grossman & Valiga, 2017). Effective followers need to have strength, independence, and attentiveness to what is happening around them (Grossman & Valiga, 2017).  History has shown that blind or sheep followers can have disastrous consequences (Grossman & Valiga, 2017).  Followers should be actively engaged and willing to give honest feedback without fear (Grossman & Valiga, 2017).   Followers need to be able to self-start and think critically to challenge decisions when need be (Grossman & Valiga, 2017)Leaders need to possess honesty, competency, inspiration, and a vision in order for followers and leaders to have a reciprocal relationship(Grossman & Valiga, 2017)Because leaders can significantly affect followers’ lives, they must have the best interest of their followers in mind (Breevaart & Zacher, 2019).  One study showed that when transformational and laissez‐faire leadership styles were used together Leaders who are inconsistent in leadership style can create counterproductivity in their followers (Breevaart & Zacher, 2019).  Five sources of power identified by French and Raven are legitimate, coercive, reward, expert, and referent (Grossman & Valiga, 2017). Followers who follow leaders who use coercive power could end up fearing loss of job if they disagree or voice opinions (Grossman & Valiga, 2017). Leaders who use reward power could promise raises or praise followers for their help in attaining a goal. Expert power comes from the leader’s knowledge and competence to attain the goal (Grossman & Valiga, 2017). Referent power is obtained by leaders serving or recognizing needs of their followers so the followers will want to be engaged in meeting the vision of the leader (Grossman & Valiga, 2017).

Following can be both appealing and unattractive. Many traits of a leader and follower are intertwined, and both are necessary to fulfill a goal (Grossman & Valiga, 2017).  As a follower it can be rewarding to be part of attaining a goal for the greater good but on the other side is the fact that you are putting trust in someone else and helping them build their vision which you may get little or no credit for. Therefore, it is important for follower to know their leader and develop a trusting but not naïve relationship with them and know the goal is for the greater good.