One of the most exciting ideas about thinking is that occasionally something profound and unique will ask you to think about it. When pondering how life works, playing with the idea of being cosmic and that no one nor nothing is against you, you will have to question long held assumptions about position and power. Intellectually we realize that both position and power exist. We also realize the position alone rarely grants the occupant power and that just because one has power doesn’t mean they have standing in a group.
There is a saying, “if you are moving forward and there is no one behind you (or with you) you are not a leader, you’re just out for a walk.”
This brings us to a wonderful idea to think about – Positionless Leadership. I’m certain you have experienced people with this wonderful quality. They are usually calm. Often quiet, yet active and when they are around things get done. And when they are not present tasks seem to be hard work and projects struggle from step to step. Then the PL rejoins the group, usually simply just appears and then everything begins to flow once more. You always notice the difference, yet, have you ever thought about becoming one of these people?
When you think about the positionless leaders you have experienced you will notice some key characteristics that may be worth emulating.
They have a quiet confidence. You will likely have no idea what their credentials are or if they have any skill, or talent relevant to the task at hand. They’ll ask leading questions that usually bring greater clarity to what is happening or about to happen.
They know “it” can be done, whatever it is. Doubt doesn’t seem to infect them. They will have questions and concerns but rarely doubt. “Being” might be the best way to describe their attitude. There is energy, while it isn’t noticed at first it slowly infects the project and those involved begin to draw on this energy building the momentum.
Positionless leaders start where things are, right now, and move forward from there. They rarely want or need to know how things got to where they are now so they are able to bring clarity to what needs to be done and where the group energy needs to be channeled. Not only do they start from where things are, they also start with what is at hand. They radiate this cosmic sense that once you use what is at hand, what is needed next will be made both known and/or available.
Then, they seem to disappear just as the project or task is complete and are rarely around for any celebration of the accomplishment.
But they appear again, unasked when things start to fray, if the group is open to success.
When things get done is it really necessary to create positions? Many positions may be used a “place holders” rather than starting points for accomplishment. Again, just a thought to think about.
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