Abstract
This perspective focuses on followership to influence the performance of healthcare teams within patient safety context. Although followers have traditionally been underestimated in leadership-followership relations, and seen as simply passive recipients, leadership cannot be fully understood without an understanding of followership.
Followership does not imply blind obedience. Kelley’s model of followership categorized followers into five distinct styles; exemplary followers contribute with critical thinking, offering their opinions to their leaders, giving a good impact on their teams. However, as a human nature, receiving criticism is not pleasant experience for everyone, especially, when a person is tired or under a stressful environment. Conflict may arise among team members, when followers express their concerns threatening patient safety. Managing conflict is of great importance for patient safety, to reach agreement at higher levels. Healthcare professionals should behave as exemplary followers and not be afraid of conflict.
To be exemplary followers, healthcare professionals should be encouraged to learn non-technical skills. DESC Script, a TeamSTEPPS tool, and a mnemonic for: D = Describe the specific situation; E = Express your concerns about the action; S = Suggest other alternatives; C = Consequences, is very useful for consensus building among team members in daily practice.
