Mark Lyons 11/2/13

Snapshot Paper #3

My opinion remains consistent that leadership, followership, and citizenship are three integral, yet independent, building blocks of organizational structure that are fundamental to achieving a common goal. The characteristics of a strong leader, follower, or citizen are constantly evolving, but grounded by shared values as the cornerstone of group achievement and based on the belief and philosophy to motivate individuals. To benefit the community, each must continue to improve and show a willingness to adapt their abilities for a common goal. The relationship of a leader and follower is analogous to that of a coach and a player. For each to be successful and for the unit to be successful, they must have a common goal, good communication, and an understanding and belief in the steps it takes to achieve their ultimate goal. However, their roles will differ in pursuit of success. A good leader has a strategic view of the goal, and plans accordingly on how to overcome all potential obstacles that his team may encounter. A follower utilizes his talents to accomplish the task at hand the here and now. The follower relies on and believes in the leaders vision. He trusts the direction and path that the leader envisions the followers. Conversely, the leader relies on the hard work, discipline, and talent of the followers to move closer to successfully achieving common goals. To illustrate using a baseball analogy, the coach is responsible for setting the lineup, calling the signals, and positioning the players. The players must execute the plays, hit and catch the ball, and make accurate throws. The coach must know the opposing teams strengths and weaknesses, recognize when a pitcher may be tiring, and give the relief pitchers ample time to

warm up. The players must listen to the coachs instruction, execute their responsibilities, and minimize errors in their quest to win the game. Rost may disagree with my philosophy. He believes anyone can be a leader or a follower, even though he would say that doesnt mean leaders and followers are equal. I believe that leaders and followers are distinct even though there is not a common definition set in stone. Each has a specific role. That role may vary from individual to individual, and in many instances the type of leader or follower someone is may depend on their surroundings, like school, church, the workplace, or the baseball field. I believe leaders and followers are defined through experiences in life. For me personally, at only 18 years old, my leadership style has been shaped by experiences with my family and through sports. Participating and competing against others brings out our natural leadership and followership styles. Some actively take a leadership role. Others are fine with playing a supporting role. In my opinion, leadership is more than a concept, its a process. Often, leaders start out as followers, especially at a young age, when learning is such an important part of life. I believe everyone is capable of becoming an effective leader. One of our authors may disagree. Kelley argues that some view the role of followers as legitimate, inherently valuable, and even virtuous (Wren, 195). My upbringing showed me that being a follower is a stepping stone to becoming a good leader. To gain important experience requires learning and understanding how things work. Being a good follower allowed me to gain insight into being a good leader from my parents. Kelley would disagree. He believes people love being followers and actively seek followership roles. While true for some, I would argue that many people would sell themselves short of their potential if they followed Kelleys philosophy.

Kelley states good followers see coworkers as colleagues rather than competitors (Wren, 199). I would counter that there needs to be a healthy combination between the two. Competition makes people work hard to achieve a goal. I believe there is value when followers compete with each other. I am a very competitive person. But, competition can potentially bring out the worst in people. To avoid this downfall, a healthy cooperative relationship and open communication is imperative. Kelley would disagree with my leader/follower philosophy because he believes effective followers see themselves as equals of the leaders they follow. They are more apt to openly and unapologetically disagree with leadership. (Wren, 196). I believe that at times effective followers should state their opinions and disagreements with ideas, but they should do so while showing respect for the leader and if a follower that unapologetically disagrees, he does not have the groups best interests in mind and may try to undermine the leader or the leaders intentions as time progresses. Other authors like Gardner and Rost support my beliefs. Gardener states groups are best served by a relationship in which the leader helps followers to develop their own judgment and enables them to grow and become better contributors (Wren, 187). He encourages followers to support all components of the group. I believe the leader should not only serve as an instructor but also as a role model. Gardner supports this assertion when he states leaders serve as a model; they symbolize the groups unity and identity they retell the stories that carry shared meanings (Wren, 188). I agree, and believe the leader should represent the group as a whole and be a strong figure for everyone to observe while developing their own leadership skills. Rost also supports my leadership philosophy, but in a slightly different way than Gardner. Rost believes leaders can be anyone, followers can be anyone. That does not mean that leaders and followers are equal (Wren, 190). Leaders and followers should know their place

in the hieratical structure of the organization or group. The positive relationship between followers and leaders is one of the most important attributes of a group that works together to accomplish a goal or mission. Rost believes followers and leaders develop a relationship wherein they influence one another as well as the organization and society, and that is leadership (Wren, 192). This relationship will also enhance the performance of the organization or group through synergy. I would characterize my leadership style as very direct. I want a successful outcome from the groups I lead. I believe the group will prosper if there is a strong cohesive relationship between the leader and followers and that all followers are striving to improve their own leadership abilities. My leadership style reflects who I am as an individual, how I have been influenced, and my independence from other leadership scholars.

Work Cited
Wren, J. Thomas. The leader's companion: insights on leadership through the ages. New York: Free Press, 1995. Print.