1-45. There is a tendency to think of people as either a leader or subordinate, but leading and following are simultaneous responsibilities. This is particularly true in a hierarchical organization like the Army. Everyone charged with leading others has a responsibility to follow their superior in the chain of command. Being an effective follower requires the same attributes and competencies required to be an effective leader, although application is different. When following, Army leaders respond to their superiors’ authority and guidance. The principles of mission command capture this: leaders empower followers, by fostering mutual trust and creating shared understanding, to take initiative based on the commander’s intent. The subordinate leader transitions from follower to leader as they take action and direct their followers.