Confronted with the reality that our leader possesses qualities or traits that we don’t admire.
In the workplace, we often are confronted with the reality that our leader possesses qualities or traits that we don’t admire. These can be simply annoying habits or quirks, or they may be styles, traits, or approaches that fundamentally deviate from our own. Although others may tell you that you could always quit or work for someone else, doing so is not always an easy or wise choice. The question then becomes: How can you follow someone you do not admire?
In last week’s Assignment, you incorporated ideas into your presentation for following unadmirable leaders, or leaders with different styles from those of their followers. For this Discussion, consider an actual situation from your own professional career in which you worked for a leader whose leadership style was inconsistent with what you desired, or for a leader whom you did not admire.
Post your analysis of the influence of personal traits on leadership and followership by including the following:
Describe the leader in question and the situation in which you worked with them.
Note: Do not identify the individual or the organization where they worked. If necessary, use fictitious names in your description.
Identify specific traits that made the leader unadmirable or difficult to follow.
Identify the effects of this individual’s leadership.
Did the aspects that made them an unadmirable leader produce any negative consequences, whether for yourself, for another individual, or for the organization?
If you were able to follow this individual, explain how you were able to do so.
Refer to the Week 6 Discussion Rubric for specific grading elements and criteria. Your Instructor will use this grading rubric to assess your work.
Read some of your colleagues’ postings.
Sample Solution
- Focus on the leader's strengths. Even if you don't admire your leader's personality or style, there are probably some things they do well. Focus on these strengths and try to learn from them.
- Set your own goals. Don't let your leader's shortcomings define your own success. Set your own goals and work towards them, regardless of what your leader is doing.
- Be a team player. Even if you don't agree with your leader's decisions, it's important to be a team player and support the team's goals. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything your leader does, but it does mean you should be respectful and supportive.
Full Answer Section
- Communicate your concerns. If there are things about your leader that you really can't stand, it's important to communicate your concerns in a respectful way. Don't be afraid to speak up if you think something is wrong.
- Find a mentor. If you're really struggling to follow a leader you don't admire, it may be helpful to find a mentor who can provide guidance and support. A mentor can help you to stay focused on your goals and to develop your own leadership skills.
It's important to remember that you don't have to agree with your leader on everything to be a successful follower. By focusing on your strengths, setting your own goals, being a team player, communicating your concerns, and finding a mentor, you can learn to follow a leader you don't admire effectively.
Here are some additional tips for following a leader you don't admire:
- Remember that your leader is human. Everyone has flaws, and your leader is no exception. Try to be understanding and forgiving of their shortcomings.
- Don't take it personally. Just because you don't admire your leader doesn't mean they don't like you. Try to separate your personal feelings from your professional relationship.
- Focus on the positive. Even if your leader has some annoying habits, there are probably also some things you like about them. Focus on the positive aspects of your relationship and try to build on them.
- Be patient. It takes time to build trust and rapport with a leader. Don't expect to change their mind overnight. Be patient and persistent, and eventually you may be able to influence them.
- Remember your own goals. Don't let your leader's shortcomings derail your own goals. Stay focused on what you want to achieve and don't let anyone stand in your way.
Following a leader you don't admire can be challenging, but it is possible to do so effectively. By following these tips, you can learn to work with your leader and achieve your own goals.