Back Row Leadership

Back Row Leadership January 20, 2015

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We think of leaders as people up in front, attracting our attention. We see leaders having plans, motivating people to put those plans into action.  We hear leaders talk, directing and influencing other people to do things. We believe leaders are in the spotlight, in the front of the room. People who want to be recognized as leaders sit up front, hoping to be noticed.

I enjoy standing in front and talking, attracting attention, as much as anyone else.  I like to be in the spotlight, getting people to do things. Leaders have motivated me to accomplish meaningful goals in this way.

I do not, though, see standing in front and talking as the only way, or the best way, to lead. Some of the leaders who most inspire me are much more effective leading from the back row.

Each of us leads in our own uniquely personal ways. We may enjoy leading from the front of the room, or we may not. We may be able to lead people in a variety of ways. Our leadership may be complemented by the leaders with whom we surround ourselves.

Back row leaders have probably taught me more than those up in front of the room. Back row leaders tend to be more open to the questions I ask.

Back row leaders seem to have a clearer understanding of when I need to be encouraged. They often have more time to listen, to explain, to see things from my perspective.

There is a depth, a connection, that leading from the back row enhances and nurtures. I am more likely to trust a leader who is next to me, in the back.

When do you lead from the back row?

Who inspires you with their back row leadership?

[Image by loop_oh]


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