Get inspired

Background

Leadership has long been portrayed as the key to success for companies, groups, and societies. Therefore, we have focused almost exclusively on leadership. But what do we really know about those who follow? 

Followers are neither sheep, subordinates nor puppets. On the contrary, there’s great power in true followership. This power is so strong that it can depose dictators, propel companies to unprecedented heights, and turn an unknown girl into a global environmental hero. So let’s venture into the fascinating world of followership. 

Agenda

Part 1: The follower perspective.

What happens if we change our perspective and start looking at the world through the eyes of a follower? This will be our starting point. By changing our perspective, much of what we take for granted regarding leaders and followers will no longer seem obvious, or even logical. 

Part 2: Leadership – old and new approaches.

There is a lot of talk about the importance of leadership, but what is a leader? Even scholars don’t agree on what separates a leader from a non-leader. In part 2, we challenge the traditional view of leaders. We look at the leadership industry and how it developed during the 80s, as well as how it affects the way we see and interpret the world we live in.

Chris giving a lecture at for the Swedish Armed Forces december 2021.
Photo by Lars Wasell - Northern Perspectives
Chris giving a lecture at for the Swedish Armed Forces december 2021.Photo by Lars Wasell - Northern Perspectives
Photo by Lars Wasell - Northern Perspectives

Part 3: Followers – from sheep to power and intelligence.

Why do we follow others? In part 3, we take a closer look at why people follow each other. How did the first humans lead and follow each other? Why do we follow at all? How does the interaction between leaders and followers work? What is the difference between a follower and a subordinate?

Part 4: Collaborationship – what is it and why is it important?

What is collaborationship and collective intelligence? In part 4, we take a look at the power generated in groups with natural leadership and followership. What does it take for a group to become intelligent? We also take a look at successful companies that have changed their work environment to enable natural leadership and followership. 

Part 5: Next steps.

Based on day’s discussions, the participants work in small groups to explore what concrete measures are needed to build strong collaborationship in their environment.

Want to know more?