6. Metaphor “ A leader … is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind. ” Leading from Behind: (Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom )
7. Leading from behind 1. Create context or culture: - Willing to lead - Able to lead 2. Involves crucial responsibilities and judgment calls: - Selection of members - Value sharing with members - Talent development of members - Boundaries setting for activities - Managing tension among members 3. Able to Lead from the Front
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Editor's Notes
Where will we find tomorrow’s leaders? This is a Conversation with Linda A. Hill by Paul Hemp
This article was published in Harvard Business Review's January 2008-issue. Based on several interviews with HBR senior editor Paul Hemp.
Let’s know more about Linda Hill Linda Hill is Professor of Business administration at Harvard Business School. She is currently the faculty chair of the business school’s High Potential Leadership Program and of the Leadership Initiative, a research program aimed at bridging the gap between leadership theory and practice . She has looked at leadership from many perspectives around the world.
Previous Consensus For the past half century, what kind of organization places are effective business leader formed? Instead of looking for the next generation of global leaders in huge Western corporations and elite business schools, expand the search to developing countries. In South Africa, for instance, the African National Congress has provided strict leadership preparation for many black executives. Hill has also observed two approaches - in developed and developing economies alike - that she believes will be necessary in an increasingly complex business environment.
How business leaders are supposed to act and where they're supposed to come from, many people who could become effective global leaders will remain invisible.