Responsibilities of a follower
The ability to work with other people in a team is a useful skill. A sincere respect for other people is a great asset. In order to be an effective team member one must respect what the leader is asking the team to do. It is also important to respect the opinion and views of the other members of the team.
RESPECT THE LEADER AND OTHER TEAM MEMBERS
Team members should be prepared to assume responsibility when needed. The team leader delegates duties to team members and relies on these members to be prepared and willing to take on the responsibility.
ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY
In order for the team to effectively and efficiently achieve an objective the members must co-operate. Through co-operation a great deal more can be achieved than by working alone.
COOPERATE WITH OTHERS
Team members must be honest with others in the team. Most people believe and want to work with someone they trust. Honesty is an important characteristic of a good follower. In order to complete objectives, team members must trust each other and be honest.
BE HONEST
In a team setting one must be able to admit when they are wrong and learn from the mistake. This makes the team stronger and creates a better outcome.
ADMIT MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE
It is important to be sensitive to other people’s wants and needs and to changes in these wants and needs. Acceptance and understanding of individual differences allows the group to communicate and cooperate.
ACCEPT OTHER TEAM MEMBERS FOR WHO THEY ARE
Constructive criticism is observations or thoughts about ways to improve the manner in which a task was completed. Leaders will often provide constructive criticism to members of the team. This criticism is given to assist individuals develop as team member and eventually become leaders. Members must learn to take this criticism and use it in a beneficial way.
ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
A good follower needs to be knowledgeable about the group’s goals. An effective follower should be organized and prepared.
KNOW THE JOB AND BE PREPARED
A follower must be able to understand and communicate with the leader and other team members. Communication works in two directions, listening and speaking. The ability to listen to others is essential in receiving correct information and implementing the strategy outlined for the team.
COMMUNICATE CLEARLY WITH OTHERS