Leadership and followership

Leadership is an influence relationship based on a collective action that affects change (Glazer, 1995).  Even though it¡¯s a journey that two or more people embark on, it¡¯s not solely about being a leader.  Rather, it is the skill involved in being able to trust ourselves and others.  According to Bennis (1992) it is first being, then doing.  Perhaps, though, Senge (1990, p.45) sums up what leadership is when he states, ¡°. . .we are coming to believe that leaders are those people who walk ahead, people who are genuinely committed to deep change in themselves and in the or organizations.  They lead through developing new skills, capabilities, and understandings. And they come from many places within the organization.¡±  What a poignant statement this is,   ¡°. . .they come from many places within the organization.¡±  The empowerment of others is a leadership concept that sends a powerful message, a message that stresses the importance of effective and courageous followership.  Glazer (1995) maintains that leadership is a relationship, a dynamic interaction between people who are trying to make substantive changes.  These changes are ones that should reflect the shared vision of all those involved.

The term followership tends to have a negative and passive connotation.  However, when paired with the adjective powerful it seems to become more active and positive.  Followership can be powerful and it is through a dynamic model of followership that leaders can fully realize their potential and the potential of the organization.  As the ¡°new kid on the block,¡± many junior librarians think they are relegated to a more subservient role, one that consists primarily of learning from others while practicing their newly obtained reference, instruction, or cataloging skills.  However, there is much more to a junior librarians¡¯ career than that.  The new MLS professional plays a vital role in the shaping of the library.  To become a shaper in the organization, there are five dimensions that should be observed.  These are: assuming responsibility, serving, challenging, and participating.