Leading from Behind

The traditional model of a manager is to give strong orders with rigid rules, but new leadership is now developing to influence people towards their goals. Leading from Behind – not as a ruler as in the traditional top-down management hierarchy, but as a shepherd showing the way to the whole team – instrumentally showing the way from behind.

Clearly, General McChrystal of the U.S. Army understood the dichotomy of “strong leadership” versus a “servant leader” when he advocated to “Challenge the hierarchal, command-control approach to management.” To explain, he was the General that led troops into battle yet encouraged subordinates to question his command and placed their interests ahead of his own.

Another example of leading from behind was Captain Abrashoff, whose mantra was “Boss-less does not mean Leader-less.” He transformed an underperforming Navy destroyer and its demoralized crew “into the best US Naval Pacific Fleet” through a boss-less style. Engaging communication, trust, and positive motivations rather than authority proved effective.

There’s benefits to "Leading from Behind" and embracing a servant leadership style. It helps address employee turnover. In his book, Abrashoff cited that 65% workers surveyed “aren’t leaving their jobs…but leaving their managers.” So Abroshoff worked to build trust and respect by being transparent and authentic. He theorized that if managers treat subordinates relative to how they treat themselves – they will empower employee to strive towards success and stretch their abilities.

This “Leading from Behind” also involves leading by example, which creates an engaging atmosphere of unity! So, to achieve plans/goals and improve employee performance, positive motivators like recognition, responsibility, and opportunities for growth, should be planned and organized into the manager’s style. The influence of positive work motivation builds personal satisfaction and reaps controllable profitability. The business's success depends upon it!