Discussion: Followship

Do you think of yourself as a leader, a follower, or some of both? Why?

I am a great follower - if the leader is good. If the leader is weak or unfocused, I tend to chafe and want to take over, because I can't stand to see things fall apart. If the leader is strong, I'm an awesome asset.

What do you consider the personal qualities of a good follower?

I tend to think of followers in terms of a dog team. (Heh.) You've got a lead dog, but they aren't 'the leader' - the musher would be the leader. The lead dog is only the leader of the followers in my analogy, setting the tone for the group, inciting dissent if there is any, and making some of the minor decisions. The musher says where to go, the lead dog says how to get there. There are also less creative members that are just as important - the wheel dogs at the back of the line that are the strongest and hardest workers, but really are at their best when someone else is showing them exactly what to do.

What are some of the skills of a good follower?

For a cohesive group, you need several personalities - see above! But in general, you need questioning, accepting and commitment in appropriate measures.

Can followship be taught or learned, or is it innate?

Everything can be learned, imho, but some people have better starting tools.

Do followers deserve respect? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Leadership and followers rely on each other entirely... can't have one without the other, and if one is disfunctional, the other will collapse.

How does the wider Pagan community view followers?

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What does it mean for a follower to bestow their service on a leader?

It's a statement of trust - that they believe in the leader to respect them, guide them and work for their overall best interests.