Academic medicine has long focused on cultivating leadership skills. In fact, mindful leaders, with well-developed characteristics of emotional intelligence are necessary to lead change. However, leadership does not exist without followership. Mindful followers serve as essential partners in leading change. Understanding the principles and roles of both leadership and followership are essential for effective change to occur. Moreover, the consequences of poor leadership or followership skills can result in dysfunctional teams. Faculty serve as both leaders and followers, and understanding those roles, and their interdependence, is critical. Knowing when to become an aligned and engaged follower is an essential skill, regardless of one's role or position.

This session will benefit participants through the collective expertise of the presenters, combined with engaging exercises and discussions, to raise awareness of good followership and leadership skills in medical education.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify leadership and followership roles in all contexts of their life through a reflective exercise
2. Recognize the importance of both leaders and followers in a team and organization
3. Apply principles of leadership and followership, recognizing the importance of self- and social awareness
4. Use case-studies to discuss the impact of leadership and followership on medical educators and learners

The purpose of this focus session is to introduce participants to the concepts of good leadership and followership within health professions education. After a brief overview of leadership and followership, the session will pivot to active engagement with reflection exercises and discussions. It is important for participants to see value in all members of the team, no matter their role, as well as develop their own skills as a leader as well as a follower.