What does the term "followership" mean in military leadership?

The term "followership" in military leadership refers to the role of subordinates in supporting and executing the directives of their leaders. In the military context, effective followership is essential as it ensures that orders are carried out efficiently and that the mission goals are achieved. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty, discipline, and the commitment of individuals to the organization's objectives.

In military settings, followers are not merely passive participants; they actively contribute to the success of the team by being engaged, reliable, and responsive to the guidance provided by their leaders. Effective followers exhibit qualities such as accountability, integrity, and the ability to provide constructive feedback, which in turn fosters a strong leader-follower relationship that is crucial for operational success.

Other concepts listed, such as innovation, strategy development, and independent initiative, while important aspects of military operations, do not encapsulate the essence of followership, which specifically centers on the actions and attitudes of those who support leadership within the military structure. Understanding and valuing followership is integral to shaping effective teams and leaders.