Here are my results from the Followership questionnaire:
- Active Engagement = 42
- Independent Thinking = 54
The results translated that I am an Exemplary Follower.
When I read the first two questions, I said to myself:
"my goodness, my current work environment is so bad. I wonder if I could answer the questions fairly from my perspective."
I decided to skip questions 1 and 2 and recentered myself to remove my current work environment as a reference point. After answering all the questions, I went back and re-read questions 1 and 2 and realized that the answers did not change.
I was surprised to learn that I am an exemplary follower. The reality is that I am. It's like my DNA, no matter which environment I am in. If God (my God is Buddha) is willing, I am always ready, able, and willing to serve in any work environment. I know that my values and talents can benefit many employers/workplaces through work, coaching, teaching, or even pro bono/volunteering.
Here is a list of my low-score questionnaire items:
Q1 - does your work help you fulfill some societal goal or personal dream that is important to you?
Q2 - are your personal work goals aligned with the organization's priority goals?
Q4 - Does your enthusiasm also spread to and energize your coworkers?
Q6 - Do you actively develop a distinctive competence in those critical activities so that you become more valuable to the leader and the organization?
These low-score items further confirmed that my values must align with the organization that needs my talents. Any misalignment of values will not change my followership style. However, the misalignment in values will move my attitude toward disengagement. Disengagement will not do any parties any good.
I need to change how I align values with different perspectives. I could also choose my future employer(s) or coachees carefully with proper values alignment.
Your reflection on the Followership Questionnaire really stood out to me, especially your honesty about how a challenging work environment initially made you question your answers. It’s impressive that, despite those challenges, your exemplary followership style shines through consistently—it speaks to your strong sense of values and dedication. I also appreciate how you’ve connected your low scores to the importance of value alignment in the workplace. Recognizing that misalignment can lead to disengagement and proactively focusing on finding roles or opportunities where your values align shows a lot of self-awareness. It’s clear that you’re thoughtful about how you contribute, and I admire your commitment to ensuring your work is both meaningful and impactful.
Hi Chia-Li,
I scored very similarly to you with both of my lowest scores on questions 1 and 2. I think your perspective that your "values must align with an organization that needs your talents" is a truly wonderful way to think about these results. I'm going to take that perspective with me.
Can you talk more about how you'd like to change your value alignment with different perspectives? I'd be interested to hear your ideas!
Dr. Jolly, I am not surprised that you came in as an Exemplary Follower. I am happy that you came to this realization. These results testify to your commitment to excellence wherever you are called. The fact that you did not let your current work environment put you into the alienated category (as is often the case) reflects on your character. You mentioned using this information to choose your future employer or coachees; I use this information for precisely that. Now that you know what brings out the best in you, you'll be more intentional and discerning about The Power of the Other. As for Q4, I consider your enthusiasm highly contagious! And as for Q6, I know you do this as well. Just because someone may not value your distinction and desire to impact the enterprise positively doesn't mean it's there. This is the number one fault I have seen in leaders, including myself, across all industries. May we all grow in seeing the potential in everyone we work with, up, down, and lateral!
Tracey
