ABSTRACT
This chapter defines followership, identifies the different types of followers, and examines the characteristics that make a successful follower. Team projects allow both innovation leaders and followers to reproduce their existing norms and values through daily interaction thereby legitimizing their innovation leader–follower relationships. Innovation leaders must also give followers accurate and timely feedback so that they feel valued and show followers that their contribution to the team and to the organization is recognized. Innovation leaders, like a trail guide, lead their followers along the path to the goal. Innovation leaders have a vested interest in helping followers maximize their contributions. Innovation leaders and followers must be able to engage in the interpersonal skills. The skills include focusing on feelings, emotions and attitudes as they relate to personal needs; holding open communication at all times; communicating through oral and written correspondence; actively listening to leader and other team members; and making requests for assistance and help when needed.
