Mandela Philip Thomas
As the world changes and new generations emerge, different from those before, we must update our concept of leadership. Leadership isn’t just about inspiring others to follow. While that may work in a society built on survival, in a society that seeks to make an impact each day, our aspirations for leadership must have a defined meaning in the lives of our followers.
If what we aspire to do doesn’t bring fulfillment to the people involved, we are building an organization and a society that are just there to survive, nothing more—not one passionate about changing the world.
As leaders, we must review our aspirations and our vision and how they relate to the people we choose. Only passion and shared values have the ability to outshine the past and define a new future.
So, how do we lead today’s society or organizations? Do we lead from the front or the back? The answer depends on our understanding of where we are headed.
It’s commonly said that leaders must lead from the front to set an example for others, but in contrast, the best way to lead is often from behind. A leader who leads from behind understands the pain, interests, and aspirations of their team or followers.
My experience working with different leaders in various settings explains the tragedy we face today with existing leaders. In my career path as a generational leader, I’ve transformed bad managers into great leaders and turned unsatisfied, uninterested teams into curious, growth-driven people.
When we are trusted by our society or team to lead, whether at a national, local, organizational, or family level—we must respect and protect the integrity of the people we lead. Leadership that stands the test of time is a source of impact, not a competition to win or be presented as the best.
Leaders who lose their identity lead with a title, not with purpose. To lead with identity is to be represented by meaning and an image that inspires our team and the people who choose us to be a part of their future and aspirations.
The power of leading from behind gives us the clarity and understanding to put people over our own interests. This is a collective process and responsibility where no one is left behind. If anyone feels left behind, we limit the growth of the entire process and the greatness that person can bring. It’s not about satisfying everyone, but about creating a space for others to be seen and heard, to take new risks, and to try new things. It’s about showing them empathy and respect, so they feel that they are not just there to be paid, but to be a part of a team journey.
How we lead will determine how we treat our family, society, and nations. This is especially important for a leader with the ambition to change and uplift our society. The problem with leading from the front is that we don’t see those who are behind; we only see those who are in front. We become more focused on our own growth, not the growth of our team. I see leaders who feel threatened by their team’s growth, so they try by all means to hold them back. This is the leadership we see in almost every institution and environment today, and it is a tragedy for a world with such great potential.
