Robert E. Kelley’s Five Styles of Followership is a widely recognized framework that classifies followers based on two dimensions:
- Critical thinking – the degree to which a follower is independent, thoughtful, and willing to question.
- Active engagement – the level of energy and initiative a follower demonstrates.
Kelley introduced this model in his 1988 Harvard Business Review article, “In Praise of Followers,” and further developed it in his book The Power of Followership (1992). His framework challenged the traditional view that leadership is the dominant force in organizations, arguing that followers play an equally vital role in achieving results.
This article was revisited by a regular columnist of the Economist named Bartleby on May 18,2024.
He described exemplary followers as stars “who think for themselves and have bags of positivity and energy as well as a willingness to offer constructive criticism.” In fact they behave like leaders in waiting
Want to know which kind of follower you are?
Take our 60 second quiz.
Quiz: What Kind of Follower Are You?
Discover your followership style — and what it says about your leadership potential.
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Instructions:
Rate how well each statement describes you on a scale from 1 (Not at all) to 10 (Absolutely).
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Statements
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Critical Thinking
(CT)
- I often ask why before saying yes to a task.
- I challenge ideas—even from those in authority—if I see flaws.
- I seek to understand the bigger picture behind my work.
- I’m known for thinking independently, even under pressure.
- I try to improve processes, not just follow them.
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Engagement
(E)
- I go out of my way to help my team succeed.
- I take initiative without waiting for instructions.
- I stay involved in team discussions and decisions.
- I care deeply about the outcomes of my work.
- I follow through even when no one is watching.
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Scoring
Add up your scores:
- Critical Thinking Score = Total of Questions 1–5 (Max: 50)
- Engagement Score = Total of Questions 6–10 (Max: 50)
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Descriptions of Results
- 🌟 Exemplary FollowerYou think independently and stay actively involved. You’re often the uncredited engine behind team success—and a leader in disguise.
- 🧡 Conformist FollowerYou’re reliable, enthusiastic, and loyal—but you may rely too much on direction from above. You shine with structure but might hesitate to question it.
- 🌀 Alienated FollowerYou think critically and deeply—but may feel disengaged or frustrated. You could be a changemaker if re-engaged.
- ❌ Passive FollowerYou follow instructions but may lack motivation or clarity. You could benefit from more autonomy and purpose.
- ⚖️ Pragmatist FollowerYou’re adaptable and middle-of-the-road—steady and cautious. You tend to “read the room” and adjust to context.