Objective. To understand and identify developmental opportunities throughout students' evolving views of leadership, including the emergence of leadership and self-identification, among leaders and followers.Methods. An exploratory qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted, investigating developmental differences among leaders and followers. Fourteen students/residents were selected to participate in interviews. Student responses were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.Results. Four themes surfaced in discussions including motivations for exploration and engagement in leadership, perceptions of ideal leaders and followers, the value of coalition building, and a leader's role in sustainability. Difficulty in delegation was identified as a potential barrier to the development of others. Leader stress may contribute to a self-serving perspective regarding their developmental responsibilities.Conclusion. Followers may require a more individualized approach to their development, and achieve deeper attachments with their responsibilities, informing a heightened awareness in promoting sustainability in comparison to their leader counterparts. Schools of pharmacy should be poised to support faculty, advisors, mentors, and student leaders with the tools to identify and develop active followers who may not seek out traditional leadership experiences.
Developmental Opportunities Among Leaders and Followers: A Qualitative Approach.