Good followership in Indian contexts includes showing respect to leaders through specific behaviors—forms of address, physical gestures, and behavioral restraints that acknowledge the leader’s position. Use respectful address: “ji,” “sir,” “ma’am,” or appropriate titles. Show physical deference: standing when leaders enter, not sitting until invited, maintaining appropriate positioning. Practice behavioral restraint: not contradicting leaders directly (especially publicly), not interrupting, moderating your opinions in leader’s presence, seeking permission rather than acting autonomously.
These behaviors demonstrate your recognition of the hierarchical relationship. They are expected regardless of personal feelings about the specific leader—the deference marks the position even when you have reservations about the person. Failure to show appropriate deference marks you as problematic follower. Even if your substantive point is valid, how you express it matters.
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