Linda indicates that when it comes to finding good leaders, business needs to look in different places than we have in the past. It takes different competencies to be a leader in an emerging market that it does in existing ones, but emerging countries at this time do not have what we consider top tier talent. She goes on to say, "we risk assuming leadership models developed in the United States or Western Europe will work elsewhere".
Leading from Behind
Nelson Mandela was quoted in his book, Long Walk to Freedom, as saying "A leader is like a Shepard, he stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the other follow , not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind." This quote made me stop and think, what is he mean. That is not my vision of leadership, When I think of leaders I think of George Washington, Alexander the Great, The Duke of Wellington. These men stood tall, they were in front, they were heard and seen by their men, not standing in the shadows pushing and prodding their men. Hill goes on to explain why she see this as an emerging style of leadership. Leaders create a culture where others are willing to lead and move the team forward based on their strengths. This model is not a command and control environment, it allows for agility and collective leadership. The "main" leader does not abdicate his/her responsibility as the overall leader, but acts as a guide to make sure the team in going in the correct direction (akin to a Shepard) and has the skills needed to succeed.
I highly recommend this article as must read for all talent management professional who operate in multi-national organization, it will open your eyes as it did mine.
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