In leadership discourse, much emphasis is placed on how to lead effectively. However, the art of followership, or how one supports and enhances a leader’s vision, is equally vital. This post explores twenty expressions that encapsulate the essence of followership, offering a quick insight into this often-overlooked aspect of team dynamics.
1. Fall in line
Meaning: Obey or follow commands
Example: Everyone must fall in line during the emergency drill.
2. Toe the line
Meaning: Conform to a rule
Example: She toed the line to avoid any conflicts at work.
3. Follow suit
Meaning: Do as someone else did
Example: He followed suit after seeing his supervisor’s dedication.
4. Play second fiddle
Meaning: Be subordinate
Example: She’s content playing second fiddle to her capable boss.
5. Bend over backwards
Meaning: Try very hard
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new manager.
6. Go with the flow
Meaning: Accept and follow others’ lead
Example: During the meeting, it’s better to just go with the flow.
7. Keep in step
Meaning: Maintain the pace with others
Example: He keeps in step with the team’s progress.
8. Sing from the same hymn sheet
Meaning: Express similar opinions
Example: We must sing from the same hymn sheet in the presentation.
9. Back someone up
Meaning: Support someone
Example: Always back your team leader up during projects.
10. Throw one’s weight behind
Meaning: Support fully
Example: She threw her weight behind the new policy change.
11. Fall into step
Meaning: Start working or walking in rhythm
Example: They quickly fell into step with the project’s demands.
12. Take the cue
Meaning: Follow the lead or hint
Example: He took the cue when his boss praised innovation.
13. Stand behind someone
Meaning: Support someone
Example: Our department stands behind the director’s decision.
14. March to the beat of someone’s drum
Meaning: Follow someone’s guidance
Example: He marches to the beat of his mentor’s drum.
15. Pull together
Meaning: Work closely to achieve something
Example: It’s crucial we pull together to meet the deadline.
16. Get in line
Meaning: Conform to expectations
Example: You need to get in line with the company’s policies.
17. Hold the fort
Meaning: Manage things in someone’s absence
Example: He’s holding the fort while the manager is away.
18. Make tracks
Meaning: Follow a path or route
Example: After the briefing, everyone made tracks to their stations.
19. Toe the mark
Meaning: Meet required standards
Example: As an intern, she learned to quickly toe the mark.
20. Rally around
Meaning: Come together to support
Example: The team rallied around the leader during the crisis.
