In writing this I am very aware that I am touching on a subject that I know very little about following. Most of my experience in this area is as a foil to Veronica as she was trying to work out a step.
Bad following covers a vast spectrum of things but it is entirely possible to be in ones axis, to do what is required, to follow the step exactly, and still be following badly. How? By being entirely passive and uninvolved. I liken it to being a good listener. Not one of those good listeners who sit there occasionally interjecting with a “he didn’t, did he?”. But one of those listeners who actually listens to what is being said, not just the noises and the sounds, but to what is being meant.
It is often said that lecturing is the method of transferring information from the notes of the lecturer to those of the students without the active participation of either parties brain. In the same manner it is entirely possible to communicate the steps over and back without either parties being involved.
Followers: be involved. Leaders: give them something to be involved in.