The Power of Followership: A Book That Flips the Script by Robert Kelly

Think leadership rules the day. Kelley turns that on its head. In The Power of Followership, Robert E. Kelley argues that followers aren’t sidekicks—they’re the engine driving action and impact.

Published in 1992, this book invites us to rethink what makes organisations thrive. Kelley shows us that success blossoms when followers lead themselves and leaders earn the right to be followed.

Why This Book Matters

• It restores balance: For too long, leadership has hogged the spotlight. Kelley makes a compelling case for followership as essential, intentional practice—not just passive compliance.
• It’s practical: Kelley breaks followership into two simple dimensions—critical thinking and active engagement—and explains how different combinations shape five distinct follower styles.
• It’s empowering: Followership isn’t “next in line.” It’s a powerful role in its own right—one that builds leadership from the ground up.

A Roadmap: Kelley’s Five Styles of Followers

Kelley’s model centres on two axes:

• Independent, critical thinking vs dependent, uncritical thinking
• Active engagement vs passive engagement

From this, five styles emerge:

1. Sheep (Passive, Uncritical)
   Need clear direction. Follow but don’t contribute ideas.
2. Yes-People / Conformists (Active, Uncritical)
   Fully engaged—but won’t question authority or decisions.
3. Alienated Followers (Passive, Critical)
   Deep thinkers—but emotionally detached, often cynical.
4. Pragmatists (Moderate on Both)
   Cautious. They follow the majority and avoid risk or controversy.
5. Star Followers / Exemplaries (Active, Critical)
   The gold standard. They think independently and act proactively. Trusted. Let initiative shine.

What the Book Offers You

• A fresh lens for leadership and development: It helps leaders see followers as partners—not just supporters.
• Tools for coaching and growth: Understand different followership styles, adjust your approach, and nurture better engagement.
• A path towards agility and autonomy: Organisations with strong followers handle complexity and change with ease.

How Coaches Can Apply Kelley’s Insights

1. Raise awareness
   Introduce Kelley's framework in coaching sessions. Invite leaders to reflect on their team's dominant followership styles.
2. Cultivate the right environment
   Champion clarity, psychological safety, and respect—where followers feel trusted to speak up
3. Stretch followers strategically
   Encourage passive or conformist styles to engage more. Channel alienated thinkers into positive, invested participants.
4. Celebrate star followers
   Involve them in innovation. Give them roles as peer mentors. Recognise their impact.
5. Model exemplary followership
   As a coach, show up as an active, critical thinker who collaborates and cultivates growth.

In a Nutshell

The Power of Followership isn’t just a book. It’s a movement. It reminds us that organisations flourish when followers lead themselves - and when leaders earn that leadership by making space for independent, engaged thinking.

Remember - Leaders light the way. Followers carry the torch.