The Courageous Follower: Standing Up to and for Our Leaders [Paperback]

Many significant failures—from FEMA’s response to Hurricane Katrina to the recent economic collapse—could have been prevented or mitigated if those lower in the hierarchy were successful at communicating to leaders the risks they saw in the system. Ira Chaleff’s Courageous Follower model has facilitated healthy upward information flow in organizations for over 15 years. TheHarvard Business Reviewcalled Chaleff a pioneer in the emerging field of followership—this new edition shares his latest thinking on an increasingly vital topic.
The updated third edition 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.Preface to Second Edition
Preface
Introduction
The Five Dimensions of Courageous Followership

1. The Dynamics Of The Leader-Follower Relationship
The Common Purpose and Core Values
The Paradox of Followership
Who Does a Follower Serve?
Loyalty of a Follower
Power in the Leader-Follower Relationship
Value of the Follower
Courage of the Follower
Balance Through Relationship
Mature Relationships
Differences in Elevation
Finding Equal Footing With the Leader
When the Leader Isn’tlS6