Question 1

People should wait for an annual review to know how they're doing or how they can improve.

Accepted Answer

People should seek ongoing feedback and strive for continuous improvement instead of waiting for an annual review to know how they are doing or how they can improve. Regular check-ins with managers or mentors can help individuals receive feedback and make necessary adjustments in a timely manner, leading to better performance and professional growth.

Question 2

Effective followers have the courage to initiate change and put themselves at risk or in conflict with others.

Accepted Answer

Effective followers are not simply passive individuals who always comply with their leaders. They must be willing to challenge the status quo and take risks in order to achieve organizational goals. This often means putting themselves in conflict with others who may not share their vision or values. Therefore, an effective follower needs to have the courage and initiative to initiate change when necessary.

Question 3

Supportive coaching involves showing or telling a person what needs to be done.

Accepted Answer

Supportive coaching involves guiding and encouraging a person to figure out for themselves what needs to be done, rather than simply telling or showing them. This approach fosters personal growth and development of problem-solving skills.

Question 4

Feedback should be seen as a route to improvement not something to be feared.

Accepted Answer

Feedback is a powerful tool for individuals and organizations to improve their work, products, and services. When feedback is approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow, it can be highly valuable. Therefore, feedback should not be feared but rather embraced as a means of improvement.

Question 5

Characterized by both mindfulness and a willingness to act, effective followers are essential for the organization to be effective.

Accepted Answer

Effective followers are those who are not only mindful of their role and responsibilities but also demonstrate a willingness to act in support of the organization's goals and objectives. These followers are proactive, take ownership of their work, and contribute to the success of the team and organization as a whole. Therefore, they are crucial for the effectiveness of the organization.

Question 6

According to the author, building a relationship with the leader implies submission and authority.

Accepted Answer

The author does not explicitly state that building a relationship with the leader implies submission and authority. The author merely writes about the importance of building a positive relationship with the leader to improve communication and productivity in the workplace.

Question 7

The alienated follower is both a critical, independent thinker who is active in the organization.

Accepted Answer

The alienated follower is indeed a critical, independent thinker but is typically passive, not active, in the organization.

Question 8

Coaching helps followers upgrade their skills and enhance their career development.

Accepted Answer

Coaching is known for its ability to help individuals enhance their skills and competencies, allowing them to improve their job performance and advance in their careers.

Question 9

If a leader's actions and decisions contradict the best interests of the organization, effective followers:
A) take a stand.
B) follow the leader.
C) sacrifice their personal integrity.
D) follow passively.

Accepted Answer

Effective followers should take a stand when a leader's actions and decisions contradict the best interests of the organization. This does not mean being disrespectful or insubordinate, but rather respectfully voicing concerns or proposing alternative solutions. Following blindly or passively sacrificing personal integrity may harm the organization in the long run.

Question 10

Effective followers:
A) assume responsibility for their own behavior and its impact on the organization.
B) do not presume that a leader will provide them with security or permission to act.
C) exercise their potential and initiate opportunities.
D) all of these choices

Accepted Answer

Effective followers assume responsibility for their own behavior and its impact on the organization, do not presume that a leader will provide them with security or permission to act, and exercise their potential and initiate opportunities. Thus, all the choices are correct.

Question 11

One of the strategies for managing up is to be a resource for the leader.

Accepted Answer

Being a resource for the leader means providing them with valuable information, insights, or assistance that can help them achieve their goals. This helps to build trust and credibility with the leader, and can also help you to gain more influence and recognition within the organization.

Question 12

Effective followers have to know what they stand for and be willing to express their own ideas to their leaders even this might mean risking their jobs.

Accepted Answer

Effective followers need to have a clear understanding of their own values, beliefs, and goals. They should be willing to express their ideas to their leaders and provide constructive criticism, even if that means risking their jobs. This is essential for effective communication and innovation within an organization.

Question 13

According to Covey, moving from dependence to independence includes:
A) being proactive.
B) starting with a clear mental image of your destination.
C) both being proactive and starting with a clear mental image of your destination.
D) taking neither initiative nor personal responsibility.

Accepted Answer

Covey emphasizes that moving from dependence to independence involves both being proactive (as in taking initiative and being responsible for one's actions) and starting with a clear mental image of one's goals or destination. This involves taking personal responsibility and becoming self-reliant rather than relying on others for direction and guidance. Option D is incorrect because it implies a lack of personal responsibility and initiative, which goes against the principles of independence that Covey stresses.

Question 14

The nature of leader-follower relationships involves reciprocity, the mutual exchange of influence.

Accepted Answer

Leader-follower relationships are characterized by reciprocity, which means that both parties exchange influence and are influenced by each other in a mutual way. This is because effective leadership requires followers who are willing to support the leader's vision and mission, and followers who are committed to achieving common goals need leaders who are able to guide and support them to success. Therefore, a leader-follower relationship is not one-sided but rather a dynamic interaction in which both parties contribute to the success of the team or organization.

Question 15

A dependent person has developed a sense of self-worth and an attitude of self-reliance.

Accepted Answer

A dependent person relies on others for their sense of self-worth and often lacks the confidence to be self-reliant.

Question 16

Studying followership, is important for all reasons EXCEPT:
A) Followers do not become leaders.
B) Followers have an influence on the leader.
C) Desirable qualities in a leader are also desirable in a follower.
D) Leaders and followers are roles that individuals shift in and out of in various conditions.

Accepted Answer

Studying followership is important for understanding the dynamics and relationship between leaders and followers, the influence of followers on the leader, and the qualities desirable in a follower. However, it is not true that followers never become leaders. In fact, many leaders have come from a background of being followers and have learned valuable skills and perspectives from that experience.

Question 17

Dependent, uncritical thinkers:
A) are aware of the significance of their actions.
B) are aware of the actions of others.
C) accept the leader's ideas without thinking.
D) weigh the impact of decisions on the company vision.

Accepted Answer

Dependent, uncritical thinkers accept the leader's ideas without thinking, without considering the impact on the company vision, and without evaluating the actions of others. They blindly follow the leader's ideas and directives without any critical analysis or evaluation. They may not be aware of the significance of their actions or the impact they have on others.

Question 18

One aspect of being a good follower is to understand what leaders want and need.

Accepted Answer

Understanding the wants and needs of leaders is an important aspect of being a good follower as it allows one to support and assist the leader effectively.

Question 19

Covey's work shows a maturity continuum that leads from independence to dependence.

Accepted Answer

Covey's work actually shows a maturity continuum that leads from dependence to independence, and ultimately to interdependence.

Question 20

No matter what position you hold in the organization, when you move to Interdependence, you step into a leadership role.

Accepted Answer

Interdependence is characterized by collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork. In this environment, every team member takes on a leadership role by contributing their skills and expertise to achieve common goals. Therefore, even if you don't have a formal leadership position, you are still a leader in the sense that you are working together with others to drive results.

Quiz 7: followership