Leading from Behind, Following from the Front

Consider the possibility that the concept of leadership, based on an individualist construct, is counter to cohesiveness.  What if we based our leadership model not on individualistic actions but on actions done in relationship to others?  What I call, "Leading from Behind, Following from the Front."  Here's how I would describe it:

As we lead or follow a dynamic interchange is established based on awareness of the other.  The follower must be able to sense the leader’s direction and respond.  The leader must clearly communicate intention and then constantly gauge the follower’s progress, adjusting so they can stay together and in sync.  In this interchange of leading and following, we communicate to each other our state, progress, and comprehension; each adapts to the other to stay in unison.  In any situation, there is the possibility that one or the other could take the lead.  Both must be able to sense this and both must know how to follow and lead.

The leader assumes primary responsibility for obstacle avoidance, for looking out into the distance, envisioning the future, and guiding both safely. The leader has to listen, decide what to do and how to do it, think not only about his/her own actions but about the other; constantly vigilant to the environment. The level of the leader’s requisite attention to the follower’s insight is a measure of our effectiveness together.

The follower moves acutely with heightened awareness to the other's lead. The follower is autonomous; moving synchronically without expecting to be carried.  At times, the follower will have better vision of what is ahead and can provide feedback without taking control.  The leader’s trust of the follower’s insight and vision allows him/her to continue to guide effectively based on the information the follower provides.  Following is not trivial.  The effective, active, constantly communicating follower is critical to moving together in partnership. 

As we refine the interplay between leading and following our connection is deepened and our actions become increasingly subtle to the point of imperceptibility.  Explicit language is no longer needed because connection has become intuitive and unconscious as we effortlessly act together.

Comments

[Maria]

I was looking to find out if you are a university professor, as your writing sounds like it.
I like this article. It is the future of leading. The leader is not anymore the big boss. But I believe that this way of leading is only possible with higher employees, not for the worker who not only needs to be shown what to do, but also needs to be watched that he does what he was shown.
The most valuable words for me were: Moving in Partnership.