Hack:
Leadership Equality

By Tom Wright - Middle Manager

September 25, 2011 at 4:26pm

Moonshots

Focus the work of management on a higher purpose

Rethink the philosophical foundations of management

Encourage the dissenters

Summary

Leadership equality means the responsibility of leading is divided evenly among us. Our influence is lateral as well as vertical, and those above us may need us most. Title doesn’t entitle control anymore. The power of leadership has already been disbursed.

Problem

Most organizational change advice is written for leaders at the top of the org chart, implying a top down approach is needed to foster bottom up change. While we challenge leaders to increase engagement, we are still operating under the assumption that the engagement has to be facilitated and somehow that doesn't add up. Even as we openly identify the old bureacratic model no longer works, we are still directing the majority of our communication to the top. We need to stir the pot through education and drive individuals into organizations equipped with the knowledge that they own the outcome and have a moral responsibility to contribute. Paying minimal attention to our system of education in our discussions of innovative business practices is short sighted. There are no shortcuts when it comes to creating a sustainable future.

Solution

Accept Leadership Equality
* The responsibility of leadership is distributed equally among all of us, whether we own up to it or not
* No one individual has more value than another
* Every contribution influences outcome, no matter how small
* Our influence extends laterally as well as vertically, and those above us may need us most
* We must be transparent and seek input from dissenters
* We must seek input from other leaders
* We must be humble and embrace the shared leadership. No one person takes all the credit, nor all the blame.
* We have a responsibility to contribute to a greater good. An organization can be profitable, but can not place greater value over profit than on the individuals or the community.
* Tolerance is required.
* We must work toward a sustainable future.

It Starts in School
If we want to develop a future of businesses that are both profitable and do good, we need to start teaching leadership equality in schools as part of character education. Responsible business leaders must push their way into schools, and pursue changing our system of education.

The Business Community
We need to direct our communication to the masses instead of just to "leaders" and charge people with the responsibility of stepping up to the plate. "With great power comes great responsibility," said Benjamin Parker, Peter Parker's wise uncle in Spider-Man. We all hold that power. Within existing organizations, begin today by changing your perspective to Leadership Equality.

Practical Impact

The playing field is leveled. Everyone is responsible for seeking and earning support and credibility. Pointless blame or claims of being shackled by incompetent leadership stop. Individuals accept responsibility for outcome. We own our responsibility to change the system of education as a means to securing our future and incorporate this into our professional duties. Businesses are able to be profitable and make the world a better place.

First Steps

Accept Leadership Equality. Be humble; let go of any desire to take credit for success. Your contribution is no greater, no less than that of another. Hold others accountable to Leadership Equality by seeking their input. Promote the idea of Leadership Equality to those around you, above you, below you. Spark a grassroots movement. Spread the word. Encourage others to join you.

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