I have posted before about the values of leading from behind.  This is not a new concept nor my own.  It is however captivativing to me because it really exemplifies the value “everyone is important”

Some credit  Nelson Mandela with popularizing the idea.  Many others  (Indian leader Ghandi for example) have practiced and espoused the concept so I personally don’t accrue excessive credit to Mandela.

On the whole public figures that are clear proponents of this concept get my admiration.  Additionally,  each has had great success in seeing their strategies both implemented and sustained.

Managing outside of organizational heirarchy

Leading from below; that is a someone in a lower level of an organizational heirarchy, using their leadership skills to influence, guide and assist those with great organizational power.

Kudos to those defined leaders within the organization for not only embracing this type of behavior but encouraging it.  Managing upwards is a key behavior in collaberative organizations.

Lest you get concerned I am not recommending anarchy.  Structure is needed.  Balancing is a key element required to avoid anarchy. In fact leveraging leadership skills (i.e., expecting leadership skills) from all is a defining attribute of high performing organizations.

Managing Upwards

A common failing of this model is when a leadership void exists in the higher levels of an organization.  This then becomes more an abdication of accountability by the appointed leaders.  To some degree it often leads to endemic frustration throughout a unit.