Follower Readiness

Definition

Follower readiness refers to the level of ability and motivation that a follower possesses to accomplish a specific task or goal. It is a crucial factor in the situational approach to leadership, as it helps determine the appropriate leadership style to be adopted by the leader.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Follower readiness is a key component of the Situational Leadership Theory, which suggests that the most effective leadership style is contingent on the follower's level of readiness.
2. Follower readiness is determined by the combination of a follower's competence and commitment, which can range from low to high.
3. Leaders must diagnose the follower's readiness level and then adapt their leadership style accordingly, ranging from directive to delegating.
4. Followers with low readiness (low competence and low commitment) require a more directive leadership style, while those with high readiness (high competence and high commitment) can benefit from a more delegating style.
5. Effectively assessing and responding to follower readiness is crucial for leaders to achieve desired outcomes and foster follower development.

Review Questions

• Explain how follower readiness is determined and how it relates to the Situational Leadership Theory.
  • Follower readiness is determined by the combination of a follower's competence (their knowledge, skills, and abilities) and commitment (their motivation and willingness to perform a task). According to the Situational Leadership Theory, the most effective leadership style is contingent on the follower's readiness level. Leaders must diagnose the follower's readiness and then adapt their leadership approach accordingly, ranging from a more directive style for followers with low readiness to a more delegating style for those with high readiness. By effectively assessing and responding to follower readiness, leaders can better support follower development and achieve desired outcomes.
• Describe the relationship between follower readiness and the different leadership styles proposed by the Situational Leadership Theory.
  • The Situational Leadership Theory suggests that leaders should adjust their leadership style based on the follower's readiness level. For followers with low readiness (low competence and low commitment), a more directive leadership style is appropriate, as they require clear instructions and close supervision. As followers develop higher competence and commitment (moving towards higher readiness), the leader can gradually shift towards a more participative or delegating style, allowing the followers more autonomy and responsibility. The key is for the leader to diagnose the follower's readiness and then adapt their leadership approach accordingly to best support the follower's development and task accomplishment.
• Analyze how effectively assessing and responding to follower readiness can contribute to the overall success of a leader in a situational leadership context.
  • Effectively assessing and responding to follower readiness is crucial for a leader's success in a situational leadership context. By accurately diagnosing the follower's competence and commitment, the leader can then adopt the most appropriate leadership style to support the follower's development and task accomplishment. This flexibility and adaptability allows the leader to foster follower growth, build trust, and achieve desired outcomes. When leaders fail to adjust their style based on follower readiness, it can lead to frustration, disengagement, and suboptimal performance. Therefore, the ability to assess and respond to follower readiness is a key competency for leaders operating within a situational leadership framework, as it enables them to maximize the effectiveness of their leadership approach and contribute to the overall success of the team or organization.

Related terms

Situational Leadership Theory:

A leadership approach that emphasizes the importance of adapting the leadership style to the follower's level of readiness, based on their competence and commitment.

Follower Competence: The knowledge, skills, and abilities that a follower possesses to perform a specific task or goal.

Follower Commitment: The motivation and willingness of a follower to accomplish a specific task or goal.