Question Multiple objects repeating animation from one source

My scene contains one "leader" and many "followers". The leader has animator component all set up and multiple animations he can perform. What is the best way to make the "followers" to repeat animations the "leader" is performing at runtime?
Another question is whether I can add variation to animations of the followers. Like, starting their animation a little later doing their actions a little different, maybe mirrored?

I guess the first problem can be solved by using the same animator component on all characters, but it will break if I want to do anithing different.