tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post5474888995619673094..comments2023-10-15T10:29:12.991+01:00Comments on Karyn's erratic learning journey: When did 'follower' become a dirty word?The upsychohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06345558899662051670noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-44284985566110484042008-10-30T08:48:00.000+00:002008-10-30T08:48:00.000+00:00@Virginia- I would be one of the independent types...@Virginia- I would be one of the independent types. Unfortunately, this is not an easy role to play.<BR/><BR/>I often think it would be so much better just to always follow and be done with it. But that's not the role of an independent.<BR/><BR/>Ka kiteBlogger In Middle-earthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08722634477041121797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-70279500491649980392008-10-29T19:01:00.000+00:002008-10-29T19:01:00.000+00:00@v_yonkers That's very interesting. It gels with m...@v_yonkers That's very interesting. It gels with my own experience, too. I guess I try to be an independent follower, because I am usually not afraid to ask the awkward questions or challenge the status quo.... as long as I think it will produce better results. Good leaders cope with that, weaker ones not so much.<BR/><BR/>I have also been in aposition of leadership, trying to lead that middle bunch. Hoo boy!The upsychohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06345558899662051670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-25698168604202599222008-10-29T17:55:00.000+00:002008-10-29T17:55:00.000+00:00Actually, in group communication/management theory...Actually, in group communication/management theory, there are three types of followers: dependent (can't act without some direction from a leader--this found most often in the military and other top down organizations), counter-dependent (rebellious or trouble-maker that will never listen to a leader or do the opposite of what anyone else wants), and independent (able to shift from leader to follower when needed).<BR/><BR/>Most group research agrees with your conclusion that there needs to be good followers, those that will do the work, won't disrupt the group process for personal vendettas or glory, but will also question the leader when needed.V Yonkershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11910904367068063554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-66257787075419508612008-10-28T10:39:00.000+00:002008-10-28T10:39:00.000+00:00@blogger - It does seem a little strange to 'appoi...@blogger - It does seem a little strange to 'appoint' an expert. <BR/><BR/>However, I do like a situation where experts are <I>identified</I> for everyone's benefit. <BR/><BR/>For example, if you're rolling out a new process/system in an organisation, there will most probably have been a UAT (user acceptance test) team who will know the system/process inside out before go-live. If everyone knows who these people are and what their particular area of expertise is, they know who they can call on when they get stuck. I like to see learning solutions that include this information: putting people in touch with people.<BR/><BR/>You're right about leaders, too. People who are appointed to positions of leadership should have demonstrated natural leadership abilities before they were appointed. It should simply be the formalisation (if such is necessasry) of what was already happening.The upsychohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06345558899662051670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-28680467904179355132008-10-28T10:26:00.000+00:002008-10-28T10:26:00.000+00:00Kia ora Karyn!Thanks for the rant :-)I agree with ...Kia ora Karyn!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the rant :-)<BR/><BR/>I agree with you, down to the last trail.<BR/><BR/>My addition to the rant is that, what's worse about saying you're a leader when you're not actually leading, is appointing leaders who are anything but!<BR/><BR/>It's a present day trait, like appointing experts. How the h--l can anyone be appointed an expert? As if being appointed to the position makes the difference. Experts are experts because of their experience(s), not because thay are dubbed 'expert' on appointment.<BR/><BR/>Same with leaders.<BR/><BR/>Ka kite<BR/>from Middle-earthBlogger In Middle-earthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08722634477041121797noreply@blogger.com