In the workplace all human resources have three key attributes associated with the work they do and how they get it done.  These apply to all your colleagues regardless of where you or they are in the organizational hierarchy.

Understanding these attributes and how they apply to the people working in your organization can be a key tool for you to use when practicing leadership skills without the benefit of positional or consequential power.  That is “leading from behind”

Accountability

The context here is not just the areas and tasks which someone is specifically assigned but rather how they approach and handle accountability.    Do they readily accept it, avoid it,  or delegate it?

Does accountability drive their behavior or does it have little impact on what and they do their work.  In fact some resources in some organizations have been known to do little or no work by cleverly avoiding accountability (and so accepting the associated responsibility).

As a leader seeking to work with these individuals, understanding where they fit really helps with motivation.

Power

The simplest  definition for power is the ability to get others to do things.  This can be through granted power (the organization says you are the boss and those below you in the organization need to take your direction.)  Or this can be through earned power – others take the direction because they respect you, owe you, want to do it or have some other ulterior motive to follow your direction.\

As a leader, not needing organization power is key.  How the power is acquired is not the critical component, rather using it effectively

Consequences

These fall into two broad categories:

• internal consequences, that is things that bother you and drive your behavior.  Largely these are based on your personal values.
• external consequences – physical or mental punishment meted out by someone else

Leaders exhibit strong personal values that drive their own consequences but when using their leadership behaviors it’s important to understand what works best with others.

Using Leadership Behaviors

The most effective and long lasting way to work with others toward a goal, or to influence the processes and practices within an organization is through the use of earned power.   The key leadership skills (i.e., confidence, self awareness, ability to communicate clearly, clear personal values that engender trust and respect) are the baseline for enabling the use of earned power.

Of these skills, self awareness includes the  understanding of how others are reacting to you and considering where a person falls within the three attributes of accountability, power and consequence can really help with this.