When we think of workplaces, we often think of the leaders who shape them. However, good leadership wouldn’t be possible without effective followers. These are the employees who work hard to contribute and achieve success. They’re motivated and enthusiastic individuals who help with morale and, one day, become good leaders themselves.
As the preferred career accelerator for tech grads, we at HiCounselor love to help people have the most satisfying career paths. That’s why we create articles like this one on how to be an effective follower in the workplace. If you need some assistance in finding the right job, contact us and have a chat with one of our helpful mentors.
1. Help in Transformation
A great way to be an effective follower in the workplace is to help bring about positive changes. Many employees struggle with changes even when those changes are for the good of the organization. As an effective follower, you can embrace those changes easily and support the leadership. Seeing you embrace changes can encourage others to join in.
2. Be Responsible
If you want to be an effective follower in the workplace, you should be ready to assume responsibility to help achieve company objectives. It isn’t always feasible to wait for the leader to give the go ahead on every little thing. Here’s where an effective follower steps up to the plate and puts their capabilities to work for the good of the organization.
3. Be a Team Player
An effective follower in the workplace is usually someone who can put aside personal interests to promote collaboration. If you see the scope of getting better results by bringing people together, work to create an atmosphere of trust and support. An effective follower can create a team dynamic where people can share opinions and ideas openly.
4. Have Motivation
To be an effective follower in the workplace you should have the drive and enthusiasm to want to progress in your career. Those satisfied with the status quo rarely make effective followers. You can meet all your deadlines, upskill, help others out, and be ready to take on new responsibilities. All of these help the leadership to place more trust in you.
5. Be a Critical Thinker
Some might think an effective follower at the workplace is a bootlicker but that is far from the truth. These employees are usually independent thinkers who solve problems and look for opportunities. This not only helps the company grow but also opens new avenues for them. Being known as a critical thinker gives you autonomy over your ideas and work.
6. Have Good Listening Skills
All effective followers have one thing in common – they’re all good listeners. It’s only someone who can take in information who can then give good results. Active listening helps effective followers understand what is required and how best to deliver it. These employees make fewer mistakes because they’ve clearly understood what is required of them.
We hope these tips help you become a more effective follower in the workplace! If you’re not happy with your career and would like a change, get in touch with us at HiCounselor and let one of our friendly mentors help you out. Read our reviews to know what previous clients have to say about us!
HiCounselor has forged technical advances to transform the hiring landscape for job seekers and recruiters alike. Our career accelerator program provides job seekers with coaching and mentorship from industry leaders employed at FAANG companies while recruiters ally with HiCounselor to empower their hiring strategy and hone in on the best candidates. Learn more about HiCounselor here and reach out to us on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
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