The Courageous Follower

Courageous followership recognizes that to be effective at almost every level of an organization, individuals need to play both the leader and follower role adeptly. The notion of courageous followership was developed by Ira Chaleff. Susan Stamm interviewed author, Ira Chaleff, on October 29, 2009 for The TEAM Approach. They discussed his book The Courageous Follower. The updated third edition of The Courageous Follower includes a new chapter, “The Courage to Speak to the Hierarchy.” Much of Chaleff’s model is based on followers having access to the leader. But today, followers can be handed questionable policies and orders that come from many levels above them—even from the other side of the world. Chaleff explores how they can respond effectively, particularly using the power now available through advances in communications technology. Everyone is a follower at least some of the time. Chaleff strips away the passive connotations of that role and provides tools to help followers effectively partner with leaders. He provides rich guidance to leaders and boards on fostering a climate that encourages courageous followership. The results include increased support for leaders, reduced cynicism and organizations saved from serious missteps.