C/SMSgt Matthew Stanford

Leadership and followership differ in one fairly discreet way. Basically, everyone is a follower, but not everyone is a leader. No matter how high up the chain of command one goes, there is always a step higher. On a more basic level, however, a leader is following no matter where his position is. This comes from following his people, the ones who are following him. First, however, will be the definitions of leadership and followership.

Leadership

Leadership can be defined in several different ways. One is the technical definition, as given by Webster's dictionary: "The office or capacity of a leaer." However a practical definition goes much deeper than this. Leadership is much more than a position, but rather a state of mind and character. One can be the President of the United States of America, and still not be a leader. Leadership is not only what you do, but also how you do it. Good leadership combines these and much more.

Followership

Followership can also be defined in several ways. Webster's defines followership as "The capacitiy or willingness to follow a leader." Followership, like leadership, has a much more practical definition. The technical definition does say willingness. However, the will to follow is only one type of followership. You can be someone's follower and not realize it. In truth, everyone follows everyone else, because every action a person takes causes a reaction. For example, if a person tries to attack you, you "follow his lead" and defend yourself. In that scenario, you are the follower and he is the leader because his actions dictate your actions. Thus, everyone is a follower, no matter where they stand.

Leadership vs. Followership

All leaders are followers, but not all followers are leaders. A leader is a follower because, not only does he have to follow anybody above him in the hierarchy, but he also follows the same people that he is leading. A good example would be drilling a flight. The leader, in this case a flight sergeant, gives an order and his followers, the flight, do as he says. However, they do not know the command well, so they do not perform is adequately. Because of that lack of knowledge, the flight sergeant will halt the flight and teach them how to do it. Right then, he became a follower because his actions were a direct result to the actions of his followers. Basically, because they did not know how to do the command, they lead the leader into teaching them how to carry out the command. The leader became a follower and the followers became the leaders.

A follower, however, does not have to be a leader. One can follow without leading, especially if he is too afraid to speak when he needs help. The leader cannot know what to do with the follower if the follower does not give him any feedback. Without that feedback, the follower cannot lead, and will remain a follower until he builds the courage to speak.

Thus leadership and followership are two things that can be in operation at the same time for the same person. It is possible to lead and follow at the same time and vice versa. The bridge between the two is communication. With adequate communication, the leader can tell his followers what he wants, and the followers can show him what they need him to do for them. Communication is the key to both leadership and followership.