How Engaged Followers Become Legendary Leaders episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 12, 2025 · 22 MIN

How Engaged Followers Become Legendary Leaders

from Only Human – News, Analysis, and Insights from the World of Human Performance · host Dr. Tony Kern

Why are there so many books on “leadership” but almost none on “followership?” To answer that question, we first return to the cockpit recording from the midair helicopter collision over Reagan International this past spring. This scenario illustrates what can go wrong when people are unprepared for a reversal of the leader/follower roles they are used to. Tony uses this example to dive into the complex dynamics of these relationships and the critical skills that engaged followers should be learning from their leaders as they grow their team contribution and experience level. From big picture thinking to habit/routine creation to growing your relationship network, being an active follower builds all the foundational elements required to someday become a legendary leader.

Why are there so many books on “leadership” but almost none on “followership?” To answer that question, we first return to the cockpit recording from the midair helicopter collision over Reagan International this past spring. This scenario illustrates what can go wrong when people are unprepared for a reversal of the leader/follower roles they are used to. Tony uses this example to dive into the complex dynamics of these relationships and the critical skills that engaged followers should be learning from their leaders as they grow their team contribution and experience level. From big picture thinking to habit/routine creation to growing your relationship network, being an active follower builds all the foundational elements required to someday become a legendary leader.

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How Engaged Followers Become Legendary Leaders

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This episode was published on August 12, 2025.

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Why are there so many books on “leadership” but almost none on “followership?” To answer that question, we first return to the cockpit recording from the midair helicopter collision over Reagan International this past spring. This scenario...

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