The Psychology of Extreme Followers and the Leaders They Crave

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”- John Quincy Adams

Leader-follower relations are a two-way street that significantly impacts a follower’s development as a leader themselves.

Key aspects:

Leader Behaviors that Foster Follower Development:

Effective leaders help their teams grow by providing opportunities for skill development and leadership. They assign challenging tasks, offer constructive feedback, and delegate responsibilities in ways that allow individuals to stretch their capabilities.

Through coaching and mentoring, leaders guide their team members in recognizing their strengths, addressing weaknesses, and refining their leadership styles.

Leaders also empower their followers by trusting their judgment and giving them the autonomy to take initiative. This creates an environment where people feel confident in making decisions.

Moreover, leaders set a strong example by demonstrating essential qualities like integrity, communication, and sound decision-making. By involving team members in key leadership opportunities, such as meetings or presentations, leaders provide valuable experience and help their teams build a leadership presence for future success.

Follower Behaviors that Enhance Leader Development:

Followers who take initiative and actively participate in decision-making demonstrate clear leadership potential. By proposing new ideas and getting involved, they not only show their readiness to lead but also benefit from valuable learning experiences. Those who are open to feedback and actively seek constructive criticism further demonstrate a commitment to growth and improvement.

When followers take responsibility for their mistakes, they show accountability, a critical trait for any leader. Building strong relationships with colleagues and leaders helps them create a supportive network that fosters personal and professional development.

Lastly, those who pursue continuous learning, by seeking new skills and expanding their knowledge, strengthen their leadership capabilities and prepare themselves for future challenges.

The Context also Matters:

• Organizational Culture: A supportive and positive organizational culture that values learning and development fosters an environment where both leaders and followers can thrive.
• Challenges and Setbacks: Challenges and setbacks can be valuable learning experiences if handled constructively. Leaders can help followers learn from their mistakes and emerge stronger leaders.

Historical Examples:

• Nelson Mandela and the ANC (African National Congress): Mandela’s leadership provided a vision and empowered followers within the ANC to fight for racial equality in South Africa. Many followers, like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu, developed their own leadership skills through their experiences in the movement.
• Indra Nooyi at PepsiCo: Nooyi was known for mentoring and promoting talented women within the company. Her leadership helped create a pipeline of female leaders who could follow in her footsteps.

Here are some historical examples that illustrate the impact of personality, values, culture, and context:

Personality:

• Transformational Leadership: Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister) during World War II. His charismatic and determined personality (personality) inspired his nation to persevere through immense challenges. He rallied the British people with his speeches and unwavering belief in victory (values).
• Autocratic Leadership: Joseph Stalin (Soviet leader). His ruthless personality (personality) led to a top-down leadership style with little room for dissent. While Stalin’s regime achieved rapid industrialization (context), it came at the cost of immense human suffering due to his disregard for individual rights (values).

Values:

· Shared Values and Trust: Martin Luther King Jr. (American civil rights leader) and his followers. King’s leadership relied on a shared commitment to non-violent protest and racial equality (values). This fostered trust and motivated his followers despite facing immense opposition (context).

· Clashing Values and Conflict: The American Revolution. The colonists’ desire for self-governance (values) clashed with the British crown’s desire for control (values). This fundamental conflict (values) led to the American Revolution (context).

Culture:

· Cultural Sensitivity: Genghis Khan (founder of the Mongol Empire). His leadership style was highly effective within his nomadic culture (culture). However, his expansionist tactics often resulted in brutal conquests outside of his cultural context (context).

· Leadership Styles Across Cultures: Democratic leadership styles might be more common in Western cultures, while hierarchical leadership styles might be more prevalent in Eastern cultures (culture). However, these are generalizations, and effective leaders can adapt their approach to the specific cultural context.

Context:

· Crisis Leadership: Abraham Lincoln (American President) during the American Civil War. Lincoln’s leadership style evolved significantly during the war (context). His ability to adapt and make difficult decisions (personality) was crucial in preserving the Union (values).

· Leadership During Innovation: Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple). Jobs’ visionary personality (personality) and focus on innovation (values) were instrumental in Apple’s success. However, his demanding leadership style could be challenging for some employees (context).

Here are a few examples that showcase how followers can become great leaders themselves:

1. Alexander the Great and his Generals:

Alexander the Great’s generals, including Ptolemy and Seleucus, served as his trusted companions during his remarkable conquests. As they fought alongside him, they absorbed valuable lessons from Alexander’s military strategies, leadership style, and vision for empire-building.

After Alexander’s death, these generals took the skills and knowledge they had gained and carved out their own empires. Ptolemy established the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, while Seleucus founded the Seleucid Empire. Both dynasties emerged as major powers in the Hellenistic world, reflecting the influence of Alexander’s leadership on their own journeys.

2. Moses and Joshua:

Joshua stood by Moses as his trusted aide and right-hand man for many years while they led the Israelites out of Egypt. During this journey, Joshua observed Moses’ leadership, learning how he navigated challenges, followed divine guidance, and built a strong community.

After Moses passed away, Joshua stepped into the role of leader, taking on the significant task of guiding the Israelites into the Promised Land. He embraced this responsibility with determination and vision, successfully leading his people to their new home.

3. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dorothy Height:

Dorothy Height began her journey working closely with Mary McLeod Bethune, a prominent civil rights leader and the founder of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). During this time, Height absorbed valuable lessons from Bethune’s strategies in social activism, community organizing, and advocating for racial equality.

As she grew in her role, Height eventually became the president of the NCNW, carrying forward Bethune’s legacy. In this capacity, she emerged as a powerful voice for civil rights and women’s empowerment, making a significant impact on the movement.

4. Steve Jobs and Tim Cook:

Tim Cook stood by Steve Jobs as his trusted confidante and Chief Operating Officer at Apple for many years. Throughout this time, he absorbed Jobs’ remarkable vision for innovation, design, and brand building, gaining invaluable insights from his leadership.

After Jobs passed away, Cook stepped into the role of CEO, taking on the challenge of leading Apple. He successfully guided the company through a period of significant growth and product diversification, demonstrating his ability to build on Jobs’ legacy while charting a new course for the future.

Here’s how leaders can cultivate a loyal and engaged following, along with the mindset traits that support this endeavor:

Building a Great Follower Base:

A leader begins by crafting a clear and inspiring vision that aligns with the values and aspirations of their followers. This vision instills a sense of purpose and encourages everyone to contribute toward a common goal, reminiscent of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Being genuine and transparent is essential for building trust. Followers are more inclined to respect a leader who stays true to themselves and their values. Open and honest communication plays a vital role as well. By keeping followers informed about decisions and being open to feedback, a leader fosters a sense of shared responsibility and trust.

Leaders also empower their followers by giving them ownership of tasks and projects. By effectively delegating and providing the necessary resources and support, they help followers build confidence and develop their own leadership skills.

Recognizing and appreciating the contributions of followers, both large and small, is crucial. Celebrating successes and acknowledging hard work not only motivates individuals but also reinforces positive behaviors.

Finally, investing in the growth and development of followers is vital. By offering opportunities for learning, a leader demonstrates that they value their team, leading to a more skilled and engaged workforce.

Mindset Traits for Building a Strong Follower Base:

Imagine a leader who sees their role not as a position of power but as a commitment to serve. This leader dedicates themselves to creating a nurturing environment where each follower can flourish and share their unique talents. In this space, everyone feels valued, encouraged to contribute their best ideas and efforts.

Now picture this leader as someone deeply attuned to the emotions and experiences of their team. They listen actively, striving to understand each individual’s feelings and perspectives. This empathy forms the bedrock of trust, weaving strong connections that make the team feel like a family, united by a common purpose.

Humility shines through in this leader’s approach. They are aware of their strengths and openly acknowledge their weaknesses, inviting feedback and learning from those around them. This openness fosters a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, knowing their voices matter.

Instead of chasing quick wins, this leader focuses on the long game. They build relationships that stand the test of time, prioritizing sustainable success over immediate results. Followers know they can rely on this leader not just for guidance but for a commitment to their collective growth.

Collaboration thrives under this leader’s watchful eye. They cultivate an atmosphere of teamwork, encouraging individuals to come together and share ideas. This sense of community transforms the team into a powerful force, united in their mission and driven by a shared vision.

In this vivid landscape of leadership, each interaction nurtures growth, trust, and connection, turning the team into a dynamic collective that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect.

Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of extreme followers who took their devotion to a leader or cause to dangerous and destructive extremes. Here are a few cautionary tales:

· Nazi Germany and the SS (Schutzstaffel): The SS was a paramilitary organization within the Nazi Party known for its brutality and fanatical loyalty to Adolf Hitler. Fueled by Nazi ideology and propaganda, SS members committed horrific acts of genocide and violence during the Holocaust. Their blind obedience to Hitler and the Nazi regime illustrates the dangers of extreme follower behavior.

· The Peoples Temple and Jim Jones: In 1978, cult leader Jim Jones orchestrated the mass murder-suicide of over 900 people at the Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana. Jones’ followers, isolated from the outside world and indoctrinated with his ideology, willingly participated in this tragedy. This example highlights the power of manipulation and control that extreme leaders can exert over their followers.

· The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: John Wilkes Booth, a fervent Confederate sympathizer, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Booth’s extreme devotion to the Confederacy and hatred for Lincoln led him to commit this act of violence, demonstrating the destructive potential of follower extremism in the context of political conflict.

· The Crusades: The Crusades were a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land. While many factors contributed to the Crusades, the religious fervor and unquestioning obedience of Christian followers to the Pope and the idea of reclaiming Jerusalem played a significant role in the violence and devastation these wars caused.

· The Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot: The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was a brutal communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Pol Pot’s radical ideology and ruthless methods resulted in the deaths of millions of Cambodians. The extreme devotion of his followers, often indoctrinated from a young age, facilitated the regime’s horrific crimes.

These are just a few examples, and the motivations and contexts surrounding extreme follower behavior can vary widely. However, they all underscore the importance of critical thinking, questioning authority, and maintaining a sense of individual morality.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Social and Psychological Factors: Extreme follower behavior can be influenced by social isolation, charismatic leadership, and the promise of belonging to a larger cause.
• Deindividuation: In large groups, individuals may feel less accountable for their actions, making them more susceptible to following orders without question.
• The Importance of Education and Critical Thinking: Encouraging critical thinking skills and promoting media literacy can help individuals resist manipulation and extremist ideologies.

Traits of Leaders that Attract Extreme Followers:

Imagine a leader standing before a crowd, radiating charisma and confidence. This figure embodies hope and solutions, captivating those who seek direction in a chaotic world. They promise to be the savior, much like a cult leader or a charismatic politician, offering a sense of belonging to those who feel lost.

Now, picture another leader, unwavering in their vision, rallying followers with a powerful ideology. Even if that vision is built on shaky ground, it becomes a beacon for those yearning for purpose. History remembers such figures — those who ignited revolutions and led nations into battle, driven by distorted beliefs that captivated the masses.

Consider the chilling effectiveness of a leader who fosters an “us versus them” mentality. By creating a clear division, they draw followers into a tight-knit community, unified against a perceived enemy. This tactic has echoed throughout history, as dictators and extremist groups have thrived on the power of exclusion, giving people someone to blame for their struggles.

Then, there are the leaders who project an image of strength and control, appealing to those wracked with insecurity. In their presence, followers may find themselves submitting to harsh rules and commands, prioritizing obedience over ethics, all in search of stability in uncertain times.

Lastly, envision leaders who exploit the vulnerabilities of society. They prey on fears and anxieties, offering simplistic answers to complex problems. In moments of desperation, those feeling marginalized may find themselves lured by the promises of demagogues and populist figures, clinging to hope where none seems to exist.

Through these dynamics, we see the intricate dance between leadership and followership, a powerful interplay that shapes societies and influences the course of history. Each interaction reveals not just the qualities of leaders but the deep-seated desires and fears of those who choose to follow them.

The Challenge of Assigning Credit:

The question of who deserves credit, the leader or the followers, is complex. While leaders exploit these vulnerabilities and manipulate situations, followers also have a responsibility to think critically and resist blindly following harmful ideologies.

Here are some additional points to consider:

· Shared Responsibility: In some cases, there might be a shared responsibility. The leader creates the environment, but the followers have a choice to participate or not.

· Social and Psychological Factors: It’s important to consider the social and psychological factors that might make individuals susceptible to extreme leadership, such as poverty, lack of education, or social isolation.

· The Importance of Individual Agency: Even within extreme follower groups, individuals can make choices to resist or break free. Highlighting stories of those who defy the leader can be a powerful message.

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” — Ralph Nader