Action learning Activity: Case Study Discussion

Objective: To explore the role of followership in creating great leaders and organizations through an analysis of real-life examples.

The discussion should revolve around the following points:

1. What were the specific challenges faced by the leader in the case study?

2. How did the followers contribute to the leader's success or failure?

3. What qualities or actions of the followers made them effective in supporting the leader?

4. Did the leader demonstrate any specific leadership traits or behaviours that influenced the followers?

5. What lessons can be learned from the case study about the art of followership and its impact on leadership and organizational success?

Case Study: Amazon.com

Context: Amazon.com, an e-commerce giant, faced numerous challenges in its early years as it aimed to disrupt the retail industry and build a customer-centric organization.

Key Players: Jeff Bezos (Founder and CEO), Amazon employees, fulfillment center workers.

Challenges Faced: Intense competition, logistical complexities, scalability.

Role of Followership: Amazon's employees, including fulfillment center workers, played a vital role in Amazon's success through their dedication, hard work, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their operational efficiency, innovation, and customer-focused mindset contributed to Amazon's growth and establishment as a dominant player in the retail industry.

Additional reading: https://www.fearlessculture.design/blog-posts/how-amazon-built-a-culture-of-innovation-by-working-backwards