Effective leaders must understand from where their authority comes.
Official authority comes from regulations and manuals or is designated by rank.
Members must smoothly shift between the leader and the follower roles. The willingness of subordinates to follow erodes when a leader undermines those in authority. No one can expect people to support decisions if there is one hint of compromise or lack of integrity. Organizations should understand the dynamics of leader-follower relationships and work towards developing both roles in their people. Chaleff believes that superior followership requires loyal and energetic support of the leader's agenda and a willingness to challenge the leader's policies or behaviors if they are harmful to the common purpose.