Can you respond and site in the discussion using the Bufalino and Northhouse references?

Upon considering the article by Bufalino (2018), I would characterize myself as a better leader. In that same token, I am a great follower. I think the skills that I have acquired by being an incredibly involved follower within my organization have made me a better leader. This article resonated with me because I know firsthand how important it is to have good followers in an organization. As mentioned, followers contribute to 80% of a company's success (Bufalino, 2018).

In my work at a major non-profit performing arts center, I was not in a management position, but I functioned as a leader for my peers. I was the type of follower who was initiative-taking, enthusiastic, and effective in my role. My peers had the same role as me, but I would seek out extra work if we were terribly slow and offered my assistance to the leadership, who gladly gave me tasks to complete. A few of my peers did not like that I sought out extra work, but my mindset is that I come to work every day to work not to sit around and do nothing. That may be something others enjoy doing, but I prefer to be in a position that is contributing to the overall success of the company.

I have traits that I believe make me a better leader than others. My peers come to me with questions before going to management. They know that I can fix computer issues or have ample knowledge on our CSR systems. I also function as their cheerleader, helping them with issues but reassuring them that they can learn the systems as well as I am.

Although I am continuing my education to become a more effective leader, I enjoy knowing that followers are invaluable to the success of an organization. I will surely use my own power to bring that knowledge to my organization.

References

Bufalino, G. (2018). (PDF) we need great "followers", not just great leaders: A brief ... https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320548138_We_need_great_'followers'_not_just_great_leaders_A_brief_questionnaire_for_followership_developmentLinks to an external site.

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory & practice. Ninth edition. Sage.