1) One organizational observer suggested that bosses who won’t give negative feedback to followers who need it cause even more damage in the long run than those who fly off the handle when a follower makes a mistake. Do you agree? Discuss.
2. The chapter describes five ways in which followers need to use courage. Which do you feel is most important? Least important? How might a follower derive the courage to behave in new ways to be more effective? Discuss.

Followership

Introduction

Followership is a deliberate practice by subordinates to enhance synergetic exchange between them and the leaders. The perspective implies that leadership and followership are discrete unique dimensions with common competencies (Baker, 2007). This perspective forms the basis of this paper which discusses its application in organizations.

Question 1: One organizational observer suggested that bosses who won’t give negative feedback to followers who need it cause even more damage in the long run than those who fly off the handle when a follower makes a mistake. Do you agree? Discuss.

  Negative feedback is extremely important in any setup. It is the tool that prompts better results, and in an organization results are definitely all that matters. Giving negative feedback may seem unwelcome, however, people in an organization should readily welcome any negative feedback on their performance to give them a chance to improve on it by righting the wrongs. Bosses need to realize the importance of negative feedback and the potential benefits it holds for their organization. With a clear understanding that remarks shall be given on a person’s performance, negative feedback can be easily delivered. The lack of negative feedback may cause more damage than good.

Firstly, the lack of negative feedback means followers are most likely to keep repeating the same mistake. Followers need to know their mistakes and possibly get advice on viable solutions to the problem. The multi-dimensional and multifaceted nature of functions in an organization creates wild possibilities for making mistakes. Therefore, it is only right that followers are made aware of the ways of the organization and how they can keep up. Secondly, the chances of improved performance are very minimal with the lack of negative feedback. All organizations purpose to improve their performance, this may be very difficult if negative feedback is not given to the followers. To improve performance, followers need to be told of better ways to handle their dockets by first being made aware of what they currently do wrong. Conclusively, negative feedback helps change operations in an organization for the better, giving negative feedback does more good than bad and the lack of it would ultimately cause more damage.

Question 2: The chapter describes five ways in which followers need to use courage. Which do you feel is most important? Least important? How might a follower derive the courage to behave in new ways to be more effective? Discuss.

            Courage is essential for followers if they are to stand up to or for leaders of the organization. The dimensions and dynamics of the relationship that exists between followers and leaders call for a level of courage when followers are to stand for their cause and purpose (Charleff, 2009, pg 6). Followers can use courage in different ways to help achieve the intended purpose.

The most important way courage can be used by followers in an organization is to serve. Serving one’s duty diligently and in an exemplary manner calls for courage. Serving involves numerous aspects like organizing for communication, stepping up when necessary, and building a relationship with the leader (Charleff, 2009, pg 57). All these aspects require courage to keep at and since serving is the most basic of role for followers in any organization, then this manner of use passes as the most important way courage can be used.

Using courage to challenge may be the least important use of courage in an organization. Going against authority requires tact and any misstep could have dire consequences. It is therefore very important that followers use courage in other functions but avoid using it on challenging authority. Moreover, very few leaders are open to being challenged and therefore the chances of any challenge being taken positively are awfully very small.

A follower should derive courage from the purpose they serve in an organization and from their core values. Courage has to be inspired by something either about the organization or deep within an individual. Of Course, it would be better if it was prompted by both but in cases of utter discouragement, then followers should aim to regain it by serving their purpose diligently and working on their core values. Summatively, self-acquired courage is the best compared to that inspired by leaders and other followers. It is such courage that followers should aim to have and keep. 

Followership

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Question 1: One organizational observer suggested that bosses who won’t give negative feedback to followers who need it cause even more damage in the long run than those who fly off the handle when a follower makes a mistake. Do you agree? Discuss.

i) Importance of negative feedback

ii) negative impacts of the lack of negative feedback.

3. Question 2: The chapter describes five ways in which followers need to use courage. Which do you feel is most important? Least important? How might a follower derive the courage to behave in new ways to be more effective? Discuss.

i) brief introduction on follower’s courage

ii) The most important way courage can be used

iii) The least important way courage can be used

iv) How might a follower derive the courage to behave in new ways to be more effective?