Building Followership: Why and How Successful Leaders build followership — Cabiojinia

Any vision, idea or organization that lacks followership is destined for extinction in the long run. The subject of followership is very vital in human life because almost every aspect of human endeavour is so interwoven that none thrives in isolation. Although the advent of social media seems to have amplified it, the term “follower” is as old as the gospel. You may choose to call them clients, customers, users, the electorate, congregation, members, disciples etc.

Also, whoever commands more followership in a specific field ultimately influences the culture and trends in that field. He dictates what’s acceptable and what’s not — his products or ideas become the gold standard against which the others are measured.

Proverbs 14:28 reads thus: “in the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.” Simply put, what keeps a king on his throne is the number of supporters he has behind him. If he has a few supporters, his days are numbered no matter how hard he clings to the throne. Monarchies have fallen because a large part of the populace was no longer in support of the monarchs. The same applies to elected officials in democracies.

In Acts 12:1–3, Herod oppressed the followers of Christ and apprehended Peter because “he saw that it pleased the Jews.” But at other times, the Chief priests and scribes were very careful to lay their hands on Jesus and his disciples because they feared the multitude would revolt. So, people (followers) are very important.

Benefits of building followership

If this is true when talking about your consumer/customer base, then it’s also true of leadership. Your vision, ideas, goals etc. will make little or no meaning when you’re unable to build disciples.

Let’s take a cue from the greatest teacher and leader that has ever walked the face of this earth, Jesus. When He was about to begin His ministry, He carefully selected twelve men as close followers. These He groomed and they’d eventually become the Apostles. With time he was able through His teachings, miracles and power of the Holy Ghost to win thousands of souls or disciples. These would later be…