In social psychology, a clear distinction exists between destructive herd mentality and constructive followership. Young people, in particular, often grapple with the tendency to engage in irresponsible behaviors simply to fit into a social group, attempting to alleviate underlying feelings of insecurity. Whether conforming to a high school clique by adopting valueless or harmful habits such as vaping, drinking, or recreational drug use, individuals can act like sheep, errantly following the crowd off the figurative cliff just to secure a fleeting, false sense of belonging.
However, labeling all forms of following as detrimental would be a mistake. Adhering to a principled, value-based group, such as a dedicated religious organization or a virtuously purposed civic entity, can be highly advantageous. As detailed by anthropologist Michael Tomasello in his acclaimed 2019 book, Becoming Human: A Theory of Ontogeny, learning to conform to and imitate the cultural norms of a collaborative group is a uniquely human quality. This social alignment enables and sustains the valued principles of such institutions, bridging individual desires with collective achievement.
Making the Right Decision
Conformity to the correct herd can move individuals toward long-term, meaningful outcomes, whereas wrong-herd behavior rarely does. Navigating this dynamic presents a lifelong dilemma of choosing which groups to join or reject, and which behaviors to imitate or resist. To follow or not to follow remains a perennial question across every stage of human development.
A correct and meaningful choice is fundamentally a contextual decision-making process. This principle is heavily emphasized by Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), an evidence-based psychological intervention approach that trains individuals to align their actions with what matters most through value-based choices and behavior. Engaging in behaviors like smoking marijuana, participating in rage-baiting, or adopting other deleterious habits merely to fit in with a social circle fails to qualify as meaningful living.
Effective team members and organizational leaders are anchored by their ability to adhere to and model the defining principles of an enterprise with a meaningful purpose. They participate in a collective, but not one that leads its members into oblivion. Furthermore, successful individuals follow in a manner that does not deter them from pursuing their own ambitious goals. They function much like a "G.O.A.T." (Greatest of All Time)—climbing their own unique path up a mountain in an unwavering quest for personal achievement, while remaining valuable contributors to their communities. Adhering to principled living within a group setting is the core concept behind effective followership.
Defining Followership
Substantial academic and organizational literature has examined the mechanics of followership. A prominent framework is found in the work of researchers S. L. Kleinsmith and S. Everts-Rogers, who identified five vital aspects of effective followership. First, individuals must act as true team players by concentrating squarely on the common goals and shared values of the organization. Second, they must demonstrate a strong and consistent work ethic. Third, they need to possess a high level of positive self-regard while maintaining elevated expectations for their own performance. Fourth, they must project genuine optimism to their peers and leadership. Fifth, they are required to practice high interpersonal intelligence in all collaborative settings.
Adding to these foundational pillars, prolific leadership author Warren Bennis introduced another critical component of effective followership: the willingness to tell the truth. This involves sharing factual truths and honest opinions with leaders, even when those perspectives are difficult to hear. Speaking out respectfully and honestly demands a high degree of courage, transforming followers from passive observers into active, protective partners in an organization’s success.
A Sports Point of View
In the competitive arena of athletics, well-run teams rely heavily on value-based guidelines and clear behavioral expectations. Just as there are specific standards to embrace, there are team behaviors to actively reject. Recognizing the difference between what to follow and what to shun is essential for both individual athletes and the collective unit.
Principled adherence on a sports team involves behaviors that demonstrate dedication to team expectations, ultimately earning the respect of coaches, teammates, and staff. Conversely, following a toxic herd mentality—one that encourages hazing, disrespect toward opponents or officials, cutting corners during training, or violating team rules—represents the antithesis of good sportsmanship. Such actions are direct violations of athletic, ethical, and sometimes legal principles, reflecting the behavior of a clueless sheep rather than a disciplined athlete.
A Religious Perspective
The complexities of followership extend far beyond the athletic field and into spiritual communities. A poignant and humorous observation often captures this reality: "If you want to see how truly religious someone is, don’t watch them in church, watch them in the parking lot after church."
Many individuals regularly attend formal worship services and carefully follow the customs and rituals of their respective religions. While this can be beneficial if it fosters virtuous living, the true test occurs outside the sanctuary. When individuals leave formal services and engage in unethical conduct—such as dishonest financial practices, infidelity, or mistreating others—they reveal a profound disconnect between ritualistic participation and genuine moral character. A small sampling of immoral behavior demonstrates that simply abiding by the outward rituals of a religious group does not automatically make someone a faithful or righteous person. True religious followership requires internalizing moral virtues rather than merely going through outward motions.
At the End of the Day
Following remains a highly valued process provided it leads to principled standards of behavior and does not interfere with the pursuit of a meaningful life. Thoughtlessly conforming to peer pressure or societal expectations simply to fit in and avoid feelings of insecurity can result in lifelong disappointment and peril, offering little more than temporary, superficial security.
Conversely, executing the vital aspects of followership can drive operational effectiveness and quality leadership across sports, business, and other organizational endeavors. Behaving in accordance with the ethical guidelines and moral principles of a team, workplace, or religious community ensures a fulfilling and purposeful life. As the enduring metaphor suggests, great achievers climb mountains striving for the summit while adhering strictly to principled behavior, whereas sheep merely follow the herd without destination or purpose.
