Beyond the Leadership Myth: Why We Follow Leaders and Lead Followers

by Christian Monö

Leadership has long been seen as one of the most vital and influential factors in both social and organizational development. It is believed to play a central part in how humans interact and collaborate. But where do these beliefs come from? Is it true that leaders shape the world we live in? And what is a leader and why do people dislike the idea of being a follower?

In this well-written, thought-provoking book, Christian Monö examines the most fundamental questions about leaders, followers and their interaction. By looking at the history of Man, and examining the science and industry that surrounds leadership, Monö explores the true nature of Man’s desire to lead and follow.

Drawing on recent research and real life examples, the author presents a new view on what it means to be a true leader and an effective follower. Monö shows how this new perspective can greatly benefit both individuals and organizations. All we need to do is look beyond the traditional leadership myth.

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2013

About the author

Christian Monö (1977), is recognized for his work on “natural followership” and “collaborationship.” For nearly two decades, he has explored leadership and followership from the follower’s perspective. Drawing insights from various disciplines, as well as real-life observations, interviews, and practical experience, Monö presents a new perspective on what it means to lead and follow. His work has gained recognition both in his home country, Sweden, and internationally, with clients ranging from universities and corporations to organizations and the Swedish Army. In 2024, he was honored with the “Followership Award of Distinction” at the Global Followership Conference. Monö lives in Stockholm with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

[Henrik Beyer]

The author has changed my views on leadership and introduced me to something called followership . It's a professional book that (unlike other books on leadership) has many academic references.

I appreciated that Monö not just prove that I, and probably many others, have had an outdated approach to leadership. Monö dives into the subject and provides historical examples and academic research as well as his own experiences on the question of why people follow certain leaders . This is very interesting.

Just a few pages into the book, Monö explains that leadership training very rarely (never) is evaluated and it is clear that something is seriously wrong with our way of looking at leadership.

Few have questioned the existing leadership myth. The author says that he did not aim to "challenge traditional norms" however, it became clear that research shows that the existing approach to leadership is defective.

I especially like how he defines a leader. "An individual who is temporarily given more influence by a group of people with the objective to help guide the group towards a common goal or vision."
Suddenly I realize that leaders should be temporary and to reach the goal, followers are crucial.
And no, followers are not a flock of sheep that need to be motivated. Very interesting.

This book should be essential reading in leadership courses.

[Michael]

This is a well-written and researched book which explores the concept and traditional view of leadership from a fresh angle. The arguments are presented clearly and effectively, using a wide spectrum of knowledge and research from various sources, as well as the author’s own experience. I particularly enjoyed part 2, which focused on how Man lived and cooperated before the birth of modern society. This is a very useful and easily readable book (i.e. without complex terminology and mumbo-jumbo) that everyone will find accessible, as well as valuable in not only today’s workplace but in life outside it as well.

[Layne]

This book is amazingly insightful. I have read dozens of books on leadership, but I don't think I have ever read one that approaches leadership from the "why to people follow the leader?" angle. The book seems to be well researched, well written, and it makes you think deeply about leadership. I would recommend that everyone who perceives themselves as a an effective leader should read this book.

[Anna Marija]

A completely different perspective on leadership as we know it, written in a way that makes it feel so logical. Chris is a great writer and presents his thoughts in a way that will make you reflect upon each read page. Looking forward to reading his other books!

[Ana]

An explanation of the origin of the leadership culture that we have nowadays and a good introduction to the followership, another way of seing the world.

I learned a lot with the history of the use of the words leader and leadership, mostly in business and politics. 

The followership part of the book was quite enlightening. The power of each individual not considered a leader is much bigger than what the leadership culture makes us believe.

I saw glimpses of methods to transform a team or an organization in a followership type but I didn't see anything too concrete.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.