We’ve talked a lot—A LOT—about what good leadership is. There are tons of books, talks, and programs on leadership. We have analyzed, described, and practiced plenty of leadership styles: situational leadership, servant leadership, compassionate leadership, mindful leadership, conscious leadership, and so on. I’m not saying this has led to better leadership, though; however, we can’t deny that there has been significant effort and focus on the topic.

So I wonder: when can we talk about “good employeeship”? Can we even discuss it? Are we allowed to talk about it? Is all the responsibility truly with the leader?

No, it isn’t, and I feel it’s time to talk about the other side of the coin. Is it “followership”? No, we can’t call it that, so let’s stick with “employeeship” or “co-workership,” whatever the relation might be.

So, what is a “good” employee? I’ll give it a try:

  • Someone willing and able to deliver good work.
  • Showing up not only at work but also for work and to work.
  • Showing commitment and interest in the tasks at hand.
  • Taking self-responsibility and making conscious choices.
  • Helping and supporting others to excel at their work.
  • Seeing themselves as contributors.
  • Taking initiative.
  • Not waiting for others to constantly motivate and acknowledge them, not making everything about themselves.
  • Showing human decency like compassion, integrity, and support.
  • Showing benevolence towards superiors and understanding that they are human too.

On the other hand, what makes an employee a “bad employee”? What could be bad employeeship?

  • Acting as a victim of others, the organization, or the superiors.
  • Complaining all the time about everything and encouraging others to do the same.
  • Acting like a diva that needs constant attention, creating drama for significance.
  • Avoiding work or putting in the minimum possible effort.
  • Letting others drag you along the way.
  • Acting self-serving, not helping others.
  • Feeling entitled to get more than they give.

I think you get the point I am trying to make here. Good leadership also needs people who are willing to play along.

I was employee in an international bank in my 20ies and beginning of 30ies, and while I have seen a lot of bad, really bad, or no leadership, I have also seen leaders trying their best and employees giving their least, using their time to complain rather than to excel.

And I have been in Leadership positions for the last 20 years and while I am far from perfect I can say I at least try to show people respect, trust, support and integrity while als challenging them and helping them develop the best version of themselves. But often enough I failed and there is a lot on my side to work on, nevertheless I can say that with some people I get along really easy and well and with others I had constant discussions, problems and conflicts. On hindsight I can say the least problems I had with people who are skilled and self-driven and open to learning and the most problems I had with people who rather spent the time discussing personal issues – like they didn’t feel seen or trusted enough – rather than do the good work so they can be seen and trusted.

So yes, I feel we have put too much emphasis on the role of Leadership and put no attention to what is needed from the other side, the co-creative part: meet me maybe not half-way but at least at two-thirds of the way. thank you.