Effective CEOs Lead by Sharing Power

We are living in a world centered with power and authority. However, is it what it means to lead?

True leaders aren’t after power at all. They hold a strong purpose in creating a positive impact on others.

They understand that their influence extends far beyond titles and hierarchies; it's about the profound difference they make in people's lives.

Great leaders share power in multifaceted ways. They recognize that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a dynamic journey of adaptation and growth.

Here's how they do it:

⏺ Leading from the Front

Sometimes, leaders need to step up and drive vision. They champion changes fearlessly, inspiring others to follow suit. Leading from the front is about setting the pace and  

embodying the values you wish to see in your team and organization.

⏺ Leading from the Side

Collaboration is at the heart of effective leadership. Great leaders understand the power of partnership and actively engage with their team members. They listen, empathize, and work alongside others to achieve shared goals. Leading from the side means valuing the perspectives of every individual and harnessing the collective wisdom of the  team.

⏺ Leading from the Back

True empowerment lies in giving others the space to shine. Leaders who lead from the back understand the importance of stepping back and letting others take charge. They provide support, guidance, and encouragement from behind the scenes, allowing their team members to unleash their full potential.

As we delve into the multifaceted nature of leadership, it's crucial to discern when and how to lead from various positions—front, side, and back. Let's explore the nuanced scenarios where each approach shines brightest.

Identifying the Right Moment: Before diving into specific situations, leaders must possess a keen awareness of their team dynamics, organizational goals, and individual strengths. Effective leadership requires adaptability and a deep understanding of when to step forward, stand beside, or support from behind.

1. Leading from the Front

• Visionary Initiatives: When introducing bold initiatives or driving transformative change, leaders must lead from the front. By articulating a compelling vision and demonstrating unwavering commitment, they inspire others to rally behind them.

• Crisis Management: In times of crisis or uncertainty, decisive action is paramount. Leaders must take charge, providing clear direction and instilling confidence in their team's ability to weather the storm.

• Driving Innovation: When pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, leaders must lead by example. By fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking, they empower their team to explore new possibilities and embrace unconventional solutions.

2. Leading from the Side

• Collaborative Projects: In collaborative endeavors where diverse perspectives are crucial, leaders excel when leading from the side. By actively listening to team members, facilitating constructive dialogue, and fostering an environment of trust, they harness the collective intelligence of the group.

• Cross-Functional Teams: When leading cross-functional teams with varying expertise and backgrounds, leaders must adopt a lateral approach. By embracing inclusivity and valuing each team member's contributions, they create a sense of belonging and unity.

• Change Implementation: During periods of organizational change, leaders must navigate complexity with finesse. Leading from the side involves soliciting feedback, addressing concerns, and co-creating solutions with stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and alignment at every step.

3. Leading from the Back

• Empowering Others: To nurture a culture of empowerment and growth, leaders must sometimes take a step back. By entrusting others with autonomy and accountability, they cultivate leadership capabilities within their team and pave the way for long-term success.

• Mentoring and Coaching: When guiding individuals on their developmental journey, leaders shine when leading from the back. By offering mentorship, coaching, and constructive feedback, they empower others to realize their full potential and achieve personal and professional growth.

• Celebrating Team Success: In moments of triumph and achievement, leaders must graciously step aside and shine the spotlight on their team. By acknowledging and celebrating collective accomplishments, they foster a sense of pride, camaraderie, and shared purpose.

Here are live examples illustrating each approach:

1️⃣ Leading from the Front

Elon Musk: As the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk exemplifies leading from the front. His visionary initiatives, such as the development of reusable rockets and plans for interplanetary colonization, demonstrate his willingness to take bold risks and drive transformative change in the aerospace industry.

2️⃣ Leading from the Side

Sheryl Sandberg: As the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg embodies leading from the side. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, actively engaging with team members and fostering a culture of open communication and shared responsibility. Sandberg's emphasis on mentorship and empowerment has been instrumental in cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

3️⃣ Leading from the Back:

Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, provides a powerful example of leading from the back. During his presidency, Mandela prioritized reconciliation and empowerment, often deferring to others and allowing them to take charge. His commitment to unity and forgiveness laid the foundation for a peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa.

True leaders aren’t after power at all, but a strong purpose in creating a positive impact on others.

Great leaders share power in multifaceted ways, even by being followers too.

Sometimes they lead from the front to drive vision and champion changes;

Sometimes they lead from the side and follow others simultaneously, to collaborate;

Sometimes they lead from the back, simply following, to empower others and let them take charge.

They understand their position and their leadership is situational.

Catherine Li-Yunxia

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