About Followership: What It Takes to Lead
This comprehensive guide challenges conventional leadership thinking by examining the critical role followers play in organizational success. Authored by James H. Schindler, Professor at Columbia Southern University, this book provides practical frameworks for developing leadership capabilities through the lens of effective followership.
What You'll Learn
The book systematically covers essential topics that bridge the gap between leadership training and practical application. Core chapters explore leadership theory and followership theory, establishing the foundational concepts that inform modern organizational dynamics. You'll gain insights into proper preparation for professional roles and develop a clear understanding of job requirements across various organizational contexts.
Communication strategies form a central component, teaching you how to effectively exchange information up, down, and across organizational hierarchies. The text emphasizes initiative-taking, demonstrating how proactive followers contribute to organizational goals while developing leadership competencies. Chapters on maintaining a positive attitude and accepting responsibility provide actionable guidance for professional growth.
Problem-solving methodologies and teamwork principles round out the curriculum, offering practical tools for navigating complex workplace challenges. Each chapter builds upon previous concepts, creating a cohesive framework for understanding organizational behavior.
Key Benefits
This resource teaches you how to become a better leader by first becoming a better follower. The approach recognizes that followers dominate all organizations, yet traditional leadership literature often overlooks the critical relationship between followers and leaders. By addressing this gap, the book provides unique insights into organizational dynamics that typical leadership books miss.
The text includes specific suggestions for becoming an exemplary follower, with practical applications that demonstrate and manifest skills associated with effective leadership. These strategies help professionals at all levels contribute more meaningfully to their organizations while developing capabilities for future leadership roles.
Who Should Read This Book
Ideal for business professionals, managers, team members, and students of organizational behavior, this paperback serves as both an academic resource and practical workplace guide. Whether you're preparing for management roles, seeking to improve team dynamics, or studying business and economics, this book provides valuable frameworks for understanding organizational relationships.
