During training, a trainee waits for instructions and avoids independent decisions. This is an example of:

During training, a trainee waits for instructions and avoids independent decisions. This is an example of:

• A. Sheep
• B. Effective follower
• C. Alienated
• D. Yes Person

Answer: (A)

Taking initiative and the ability to decide within a role are key aspects of effective teamwork. When a trainee consistently waits for instructions and avoids independent decisions, they’re showing a passive, non-assertive pattern of behavior. This is characteristic of a “sheep” follower, who complies with directions but does not engage or think ahead to solve problems. In contrast, an effective follower blends following with initiative, an alienated follower is disengaged and cynical, and a Yes Person tends to agree but might still act on direction when asked—neither captures the clear lack of independent decision-making as precisely as the sheep does.

Taking initiative and the ability to decide within a role are key aspects of effective teamwork. When a trainee consistently waits for instructions and avoids independent decisions, they’re showing a passive, non-assertive pattern of behavior. This is characteristic of a “sheep” follower, who complies with directions but does not engage or think ahead to solve problems. In contrast, an effective follower blends following with initiative, an alienated follower is disengaged and cynical, and a Yes Person tends to agree but might still act on direction when asked—neither captures the clear lack of independent decision-making as precisely as the sheep does.