174. How to Inspire Followership

In the very first episode of the How to Lead - 2025 Edition series, Julia explores the concept of followership with Ruth Sims, who brings a research-informed perspective to a topic often overlooked in conversations about leading. Ruth reframes followership as an active choice, not a passive role. You’ll hear why deciding to follow comes before any leader’s bid for attention, how those roles shift constantly in modern organisations, and which leadership missteps like micromanagement, poor communication or lack of direction cause followers to disengage. Ruth introduces two key dimensions of followership: Deferral: stepping back, allowing the leader to lead while still engaging and asking clarifying questions. Support: stepping up to help the leader succeed through effort, advice, feedback, and shared purpose. Listen to this episode to rethink the assumption that leading is always about being in charge and discover how following well can be just as powerful, intentional, and impactful as leading. About the Guest:  An organisational development and communications professional based in Australia with global connections into leadership and followership communities. Dr Ruth Sims brings a unique, research-based and expert understanding of followership and the difference that effective followership can make in your organisation.