Critical Followership: Thinking, Failing, and Leading

Siamak Naficy

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Introduction

Critical thinking is essential for military leadership, yet its counterpart— critical followership—remains underexplored. Effective military operations rely not only on strong leadership but also on subordinates capable of independent assessment, adaptation, and constructive feedback. Leaders emerge through experiences as followers, making critical followership an indispensable component of mission success.

Critical followership entails independent thought while remaining aligned with organizational goals. Unlike passive obedience, it fosters adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments. Understanding that leadership and followership are intertwined roles within the broader leadership framework is crucial. Effective followership enhances mission success through questioning assumptions, providing informed feedback, and executing orders with strategic awareness.

Positive vs. Negative Followership

Followership is not passive; it actively shapes organizational effectiveness. Critical followership—characterized by independent thinking, initiative, and alignment with the leader’s intent—enhances mission success. In contrast, uncritical followership, whether in the form of blind obedience or passive resistance, can lead to inefficiencies and mission failure.