Comments on: What Type of Followers Do You Have?

By: Do Your People Ever Tell You No? « Bret L. Simmons

Do Your People Ever Tell You No? « Bret L. Simmons — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:23:37 +0000

[...] followers have learned from you not to disagree, challenge, or bring you bad news. That’s right, it’s probably you. Let me [...]

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:09:33 +0000

Alan, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your perspective. I actually think we might agree on this. I would tell you that “playing dumb” is a learned behavior. You and I both know the followers were smart but the leaders played a huge role in shaping their behavior to the contrary.

Totally concur with you on designing systems that encourage shared accountability.

Thanks!

By: Alan Hill

Alan Hill — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:18:25 +0000

I disagree. Principle is sound, system is flawed. The Army had this approach and smart followers learn that if they don’t like their leader they simply ‘play dumb’.
Leaders should not always be liked. But neither should they have a system undermine their authority.

Much better alternative to have a system that rewards leadership in all employees, not just leaders. This way employees are accountable for their own results and behavior.
http://alanhill.wordpress.com