We all hear about what it takes to be a great leader. We’re told to be decisive, inspiring, and to take charge. But what if I told you that being an amazing follower is just as important—and can even be your secret weapon to becoming a powerful leader down the road?
A new article from the Smallwarjournal, “Critical Followership: Thinking, Failing, and Leading,” breaks down a super important idea: being a good follower doesn’t mean just doing what you’re told. It means being a critical follower.
So, what is “critical followership”?
Think about it. Have you ever been in a group project where one person is the “leader” and everyone else just nods along? Maybe you had a great idea but didn’t speak up. Or maybe you noticed a flaw in the plan, but it felt easier to just go with it.
That’s where critical followership comes in. It’s the ability to:
- Think for yourself: Don’t just blindly accept instructions. Think about the why behind a task.
- Give smart feedback: If you see a way to make something better, or you spot a problem, speak up in a constructive way. You’re part of the team, and your ideas matter.
- Contribute actively: Be engaged, not just present. Your role is to help the team succeed, not just to check a box.
The article explains that this kind of thinking is crucial, whether you’re playing on a sports team, working on a school project, or even helping your family with a big plan. It’s about being an active participant, not a passive one.
Different Situations, Different Skills
The cool part is that being a critical follower isn’t always the same. The article breaks it down into three types, and you can see these in your own life:
- When to be obedient: Imagine you’re in an emergency, like a fire drill or a sports game with a split-second play. You need to follow instructions instantly and without question to stay safe or win. This is about quick, disciplined action.
- When to be competent: This is for things with a clear process, like setting up a sound system for a school event or running a science experiment. You use your brain to follow the steps correctly and even find ways to make them more efficient.
- When to be adaptive: This is for tough, messy problems. Maybe your group project on a social issue isn’t going as planned. You need to think creatively, share new ideas, and adapt the strategy to get the best result. This is where your independent thinking shines.
The Power of the Follower
The truth is, everyone is a follower at some point. You’re a follower in your friend group, in your family, and on any team you join. And guess what? All those experiences are shaping you.
The article’s main takeaway is this: the best leaders of tomorrow are those who are learning to be critical followers today. By practicing these skills now, you’re not just helping your team succeed; you’re building the leadership muscles you’ll need for your future career and life.
So next time you’re in a group, don’t just “follow.” Be a critical follower. Your voice and your mind are powerful tools that can make all the difference.
Read SmallWarJournal Article: https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/08/20/critical-followership-thinking-failing-and-leading-2/
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