Final answer:
Effective followers show commitment by being dedicated to organizational goals, remaining flexible, actively participating, and minimizing the need for supervision, which all contribute to a positive leader-follower relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the qualities of effective followers, commitment is a key component. This involves a dedication to organizational goals rather than a persistent pursuit of personal interests or a willingness to compromise values. Effective followers demonstrate an ability to remain flexible in the face of changing priorities and assignments, convey an interest in the organization's mission, and respond professionally to feedback. Instead of an aversion to collaborative work, they demonstrate commitment by participating actively, such as speaking up in meetings and embracing new projects, and they minimize the need for supervision through proactive behaviors.
Commitment also ties in with an employee's need for leadership. Depending on their level of autonomy, some followers benefit more from a structured environment with clear responsibilities, while others thrive with less rigidity. This affects the leader-follower relationship, where a balance between guidance and autonomy is crucial. Ultimately, commitment among followers can take different forms based on the individual's needs and the context of the leader's style. For a synergistic leader-follower relationship, understanding and adapting to these needs is essential.