Here’s an excerpt from my new book (working title), A Test for Our Time: Crisis Leadership in the Next Normal. It echoes this week’s theme about True North leadership:
Leaders should respect people who treat them as equals and rely on relationships for their source of power, rather than hierarchy. According to research, companies and managers must shift their thinking when it comes to how power is distributed within the organization to succeed in increasingly remote and hybrid work settings. General Stanley McChrystal led the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) using a model of “radical transparency” which democratized information sharing by quickly disseminating information not just up the chain of command but across it. By empowering those forces to make decisions on their own, they gain momentum and build their leadership skills.
Organizations that rely on hierarchy rather than relationships for their source of power tend to make slower and lower-quality decisions. Relational power enables mixed-level meetings where people with vital contributions to projects or discussions are at the table or on the Zoom screen because their contribution is valued, not because of their title or reporting relationship. Relational power is also vital to enable empowerment and accountability together, especially if high-quality and high-velocity decisions are vital to progress. With radical transparency, information is quickly disseminated not just up the chain of command, but across it, so that everyone had a “shared consciousness” of what was going on. This allowed decision-making authority to be pushed down to lower levels, where people who were well-informed and close to the problem could make decisions to solve it.
McChrystal calls this model “empowered execution.” Battles are not won by generals, he says, but by privates and sergeants on the frontlines. If decision-makers have to wait for information to travel up the chain of command, by the time it reaches the frontline force again, the decision could be wrong, outdated, or ill-informed. By empowering those forces to make decisions on their own, they gain momentum and build their leadership skills. The value of having a clear and concise mission cannot be overstated—something that OraSure understood well in our response to the pandemic. Having employees who are focused on the mission at hand is crucial for any organization, but it is especially important in times of crisis. As Gen. McCrystal says, “That’s where the rubber meets the road, and that’s where they need to be most reactive, most adaptable, most focused on the mission at hand.” Leaders need to be present and available to their teams to make this happen.
In that sense, a leader’s role is more like a gardener than an order-barker. “When we think about leaders creating an organization, what they’re doing is creating an environment or an ecosystem in which the people in the organization—the junior leaders and even the most junior people—can do that which only they can actually do, which accomplishes the mission,” McChrystal says. This analogy of leaders as gardeners cultivating future leaders who then help create success highlights how important it is for organizations to treat each other as equals and hold everyone accountable to achieve more than they could have imagined. By doing the right things for the right reasons with passion and engagement, organizations can create ecosystems as lush as rainforests ripe with ingenuity.
Your commitment and passion shine through in every paragraph you write. Truly remarkable.
Thank you for your feedback!
It’s great to see an author enthusiastic about their field.
Your steadfast dedication and enthusiasm shine through in every segment you compose. It’s truly commendable.
This is a great post, I really enjoyed going through it. Your writing style is very captivating and your opinions are spot on. Keep up the good work!
The post is exceptionally accurate. We found a lot from it. Thanks for sharing.
This article really informative, I’ve learnt so much from it.
Hey there, great post! It was full of useful insights that I enjoyed. Thank you for posting!
You always tackle timely topics that fascinate my interest. I appreciate that!
Fantastic insights in your post. We totally agree with you. The author have provided some valuable tips.
I admire the way in which you explain ideas. Thanks for sharing this informative post with your readers.
Your blog brightens my day like a ray of sunshine. Thank you for sharing positivity through your words.
Your blog is always a great source of information and motivation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas.
1 of the best things of your blog is the insight of the content you provide.
Your enthusiasm is contagious, making it hard not to be excited by the topics you discuss.
It’s refreshing to see a distinct perspective on this subject.
Thanks a lot for posting this informative post. Your opinions are very thought-provoking and the writing is very well articulated. Keep it up!
I truly appreciate the actionable steps you’ve included; it makes implementing your advice easier.
Your wisdom on this topic is profound, kudos to your expertise.
Your style is compelling, it’s hard to stop.
This article has encouraged me to make a move. I’m excited to apply your suggestions!
I admire how you break down complex concepts into digestible chunks. It’s truly remarkable.
I like the approach you present subjects on your website. Your blogging approach is compelling and educational.
I’ve learnt some useful advice from reading this.
Your blog has speedily become my preferred site for motivation. I thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to research and compile such useful information.
This post is a gem that deserves to be shared with a broader audience.
Your enthusiasm is contagious, leaving readers excited and enthusiastic to explore the engaging topics you present.
Wow, we didn’t know that before. The author have given new light on the topic. Thank you for bringing it up.
I cherish how your character shines through in your words. It establishes an immediate bond.
I’m impressed by your ability to turn even the most common topics into engaging writing. Bravo to you!
Thanks a lot for posting such a valuable post. Your ideas are very thought-provoking and the writing is clearly crafted. Keep it up!
Your writing creates lively pictures in my mind. I can visualize every detail you describe.
This blog is filled with helpful information. I like the depth of your expertise.
Reading your website feels like attending a valuable masterclass.
I truly liked reading this post and discovered some useful information. Thanks for sharing your insights with your readers.
Your enthusiasm is truly contagious, which makes it difficult not to become enthusiastic about the topics you explore.
You have an exceptional ability to elevate ordinary topics into captivating content. Keep up the outstanding work!
Your blog brightens my day like a beam of light. Thank you for spreading positivity through your words.
I admire the way you explain things; it’s clear.
This was such a fantastic read! Thanks for sharing your valuable information.
Your post is exceptionally well-researched. I found a lot from it. Thank you for posting.
The author’s enthusiasm for this topic is apparent.
Your online space feels like a fountain of wisdom and inspiration. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with others; it’s greatly appreciated.
I appreciate how you break down complex topics and make them easy to grasp.
Your blog is thought-provoking. I enjoy the way you stimulate dialogue and discussion.
I really appreciate your writing skills and your ability to write engaging and interesting posts. Keep up the good work.
Your commitment and enthusiasm emanate through every section. It’s truly remarkable.
The author’s approach is refreshing and unique.
I’m awe-inspired by your talent to turn ordinary topics into captivating writing. Bravo!
You delivered the information in a clear and concise manner, thumbs up.
Your posts have the perfect balance of knowledge, illustrations, and personal experiences.
This article is filled with useful tips that I can apply straightaway.
Your zeal is infectious. It’s impossible not to be enthralled by the topics you discuss.
I love how your posts always leave me motivated and excited.
This post has given me new perspective on the matter, much appreciated.
Your words have a calming effect on my soul. Thank you for providing such a serene space online.
Your zeal is infectious. It’s impossible not to feel enthralled by the topics you explore.
Your blog has swiftly become my go-to destination for inspiration. I sincerely appreciate for sharing your thoughts.
The author’s style is welcomed and unique.
What an amazing post! Your style is so engaging and your points are very well presented. Keep up the brilliant work!
I could tell you’ve done your research, thanks.
I appreciate the originality and creativity in your blog posts.
I found some new ideas in your article. The author have presented it nicely. Thanks for enlightening us.
Your enthusiasm is infectious, making it difficult not to feel excited about the topics you discuss.
Your post provides valuable insights and practical tips that can be applied in real life situations. Thanks for sharing.
I love how you blend storytelling with informative content; it keeps me captivated.
I respect your commitment to sharing helpful content with your readers. Thanks for all that you do.
This website is a breath of fresh air. I appreciate your original take.
I never thought of that before; your point of view is mind-stimulating.
I appreciate your perspective on this topic. Your writing is very engaging and the ideas you shared are extremely important. Keep it up!
Your blog reliably surprises me with enlightening writing. Thank you for always delivering exceptional articles.
Engaging and informative; your blog offers unique and valuable.
Your excitement is infectious. It’s hard not to get pumped up about the topics you share.
Your narrative engages my attention throughout. I can’t resist read every single word you write.
I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with others; it’s greatly appreciated.
Your posts have the perfect blend of information, illustrations, and personal experiences.
The article is very informative and provides practical advice for readers. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.
The way you write is so compelling. It feels like we’re having a friendly chat.
Your blog is always a great source of information and motivation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas.
This post is a thorough guide on the topic; it’s a goldmine of information.