“Leading from Behind?”

I am closely observing and learning from several leaders I admire who are being diligent and visionary in implementing a “succession plan” in preparation of their retirement.

I admire their “servant leadership” and determination to leave things in a very functional, growth-trending state before passing on the leadership “baton.”

What concerns me is that a few appear to “cloud their vision” and focus on leading from the same perspective they have used 30, 40, even 50 years ago.

Yes, this worked then…but it is now 2014, approaching 2015. The world is vastly different. Being a late Baby Boomer (born in 1964), it is quite clear that the current generation, the “Millennials,” approach life, work, spirituality and the future very differently than we do.

“We can’t solve problems with the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

It is understandable that leaders want to solidify the values, best practices and wisdom from the past. However, in any form of leadership, you must manage change by leading from ahead…so that others can follow you.

Those refusing to take into account and utilize current technology, social media and communication trends are completely missing the connection with this current generation, society and industry demand.  

Cases in Point:

Blockbluster, LLc dominated the industry in the 1980’s even up until 2004. They were the leader in movie video rentals. However, they became complacent with their status by not making necessary adjustments to consumer trends. Thus competition such as Netflix, Red Box and Cable On-Demand overwhelmed them and rendered them no-longer-relevant, out-dated, out-of-touch with consumer demand and eventually, out-of-business. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockbuster_LLC

Blackberry was the innovator of cell phone technology up until 2012. “BlackBerry is widely referred to as ‘CrackBerry’ in the United States, which alluded to its excessive use by its owners and is a reference to the addictiveness of crack cocaine.” However, they have apparently allowed Apple and Samsung to minimize their existence with Touch screens, Face-Time, Camera and Free APP technology. They currently find themselves in “reactive” mode instead of “proactive.” Will they be able to move from “leading from behind” to moving up front? Only time will tell.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry

Spiritually, my minister once said: “We have to stay true to the faith, yet relevant to the times.” The Bible instructs us in:

Romans 12:2 (NKJV): And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Although we are not to “conform” to this world, we still have to live in it. We are given the mandate to influence it…to “be transformed by the renewing” of our minds. We have to understand where people “are” before we can lead them where they need to be.

Memorable Quotes:

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin 

“Be the kind of leader you would follow.”

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

"Leaders don't force people to follow; they invite them on a journey" -Charles S. Lauer

”A leader takes people where they want to go. A GREAT leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalyn Carter

"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are." – Max Depree

“Where there is no vision, the people perish:” - Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

If we continue the trend of leading people from “where we think they should be” instead of from “where they are,” we will eventually look around to realize that no one is following…

(If you enjoy my reflections, you can also read more from Lessons from a Bird at Amazon.com)