CU Jedi Episode V: What Credit Union Leaders Can Learn from Chewbacca

by. Devin Selte

Chewbacca.  Sometimes the forgotten hero of the Star Wars series.

Why is that?

Well, you could say that  when we are first introduced to the towering Wookie, he was a prototypical follower.  And there is nothing wrong with that.

In fact, I would contend that you must first be a great follower before you can be a great leader.

In 2011, Michael Hyatt wrote a blog “Why the Best Leaders Are Great Followers”.  In the article, he shared how great followers share 5 key characteristics.

He wrote:

1. They are clear. They understand their role. You can’t be a good follower unless you have clearly identified the leader. While you may be a leader in your own realm, everyone has a boss—including you. Great followers not only accept this fact but embrace it.

Chewbacca knew his role.  On paper, he was co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon and sidekick of Han Solo.  In our hearts, he was the lovable, over the top teddy bear that was willing to sacrifice himself for his boss, and the Rebel Alliance.

2. They are obedient. While obedience may be a politically incorrect concept, it is essential for organizational effectiveness. No one should be allowed to give orders who can’t obey orders. This is how great leaders model to their own followers the standards of acceptable behavior.

Whether it was using his key mechanical skills to fix the Millennium Falcon, or using his blaster to save his friends from near death, Chewbacca did everything that was asked of him, and more.

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