Did you know that the success of scaling B2B companies often depends not just on great leadership, but on great followership? What if your key to exponential growth was your team combined with a concept from a small village in the South Pacific?

This week, I’m in Fiji, hanging out with some incredible founders and business leaders. We’re working *on* our businesses—and having a bit of fun while we’re at it. Over my shoulder, you can see the breathtaking scenery that’s inspiring us. But what’s more inspiring is the way we’re exploring how active followership can transform leadership and drive business growth, taking a cue from the Fijian concept of *solesolevaki*—working together for a common cause.

Traditionally, leadership models have often emphasized a top-down approach, where leaders direct and followers simply execute. While this might still be necessary in high-stakes environments (where not following orders can mean life or death), it’s increasingly out of touch in today’s business world. As companies scale, leaders face the daunting task of maintaining cohesion, innovation, and adaptability within their teams. But here’s the thing: when team members are passive or disengaged, even the most visionary leader can struggle to steer the company toward success. So, how can leaders create an environment where everyone actively contributes to the company’s growth? That’s where the principles of active followership, as seen in Fijian culture, come into play.

Solesolevaki – Collective Responsibility:

In Fijian culture, solesolevaki represents the practice of coming together to work toward a common goal. For businesses, this means creating a culture where every team member feels a deep sense of responsibility for the company’s success. Leaders should encourage this collective responsibility by involving everyone in decision-making processes and recognizing the value of each role within the organization.

Leadership Through Influence and Respect:

Fijian chiefs don’t lead through authoritarian control; they lead by earning the respect of their people. Modern business leaders can take a page from this book by focusing on leadership through influence, trust, and respect. Empowering teams and fostering a collaborative environment inspire followers to take initiative and contribute meaningfully, which is crucial as companies scale.

Adapting Through Collective Action:

Fijian communities are well-known for their ability to adapt to challenges, whether it’s facing typhoons, supply chain disruptions, or economic downturns. This adaptability comes from a strong sense of collective action—solving problems together. In the business world, this translates to encouraging teams to innovate and tackle challenges as a unified force. When followers are empowered to take ownership of challenges and contribute solutions, companies can adapt more effectively to market changes and growth challenges.

Key Takeaway: 

The true strength of a leader lies not just in their vision, but in their ability to cultivate a team of active followers who share in the responsibility for the company’s success. By embracing the principles of *solesolevaki*, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams, driving innovation and sustainable growth.

Conclusion:

The Followership Revolution is more than just a shift in leadership dynamics; it’s a blueprint for scaling B2B SaaS companies in a way that’s collaborative, resilient, and deeply rooted in shared purpose. As you build and grow your company, remember that leadership is not a solo journey—your success is magnified when everyone in your team is actively engaged and committed to the common goal. Is followership a new concept for you? Has it played a role in your company’s success? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on redefining leadership and scaling businesses.