GoKawiilResearch shows leadership emergence and leadership effectiveness are different skills
New analysis argues that leadership should not be viewed as a hierarchy above followership, since attaining a position of authority does not guarantee competence in it. Studies cited show traits like narcissism often help people rise into leadership roles while doing little to make them effective once in charge.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Organizations frequently promote people based on confidence or charisma rather than actual capability, which helps explain persistent gaps between the leaders companies get and the ones they need. Reframing followership as a skill in its own right, rather than a lesser status, could change how businesses evaluate and develop talent.
- Leadership and followership should not be seen as opposite ends of a hierarchy
- Traits that help people gain leadership roles, like narcissism, don't necessarily make them effective leaders
- There's a documented, persistent gap between the leaders organizations have and the ones they need
Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Is it better to be a good follower or a bad leader?”
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