Ming the Mechanic:
Leaders and Followers

The NewsLog of Flemming Funch
 Leaders and Followers2003-01-03 17:39
2 comments
by Flemming Funch

From Future Positive, an article by Dee Hock.
"Leader presumes follower. Follower presumes choice. One who is coerced to the purposes, objectives, or preferences of another is not a follower in any true sense of the word, but an object of manipulation. Nor is the relationship materially altered if both parties accept dominance and coercion. True leading and following presume perpetual liberty of both leader and follower to sever the relationship and pursue another path. A true leader cannot be bound to lead. A true follower cannot be bound to follow. The moment they are bound, they are no longer leader or follower. The terms leader and follower imply the freedom and independent judgment of both. If the behavior of either is compelled, whether by force, economic necessity, or contractual arrangement, the relationship is altered to one of superior/subordinate, management/employee, master/servant, or owner/slave. All such relationships are materially different than leader-follower.

Induced behavior is the essence of leader-follower. Compelled behavior is the essence of all the others. Where behavior is compelled, there lies tyranny, however benign. Mere behavior is induced, there lies leadership, however powerful. Leadership does not imply constructive, ethical, open conduct. It is entirely possible to induce destructive, malign, devious behavior and to do so by corrupt means. Therefore, a clear, meaningful purpose and compelling ethical principles evoked from all participants should be the essence of every relationship, and every institution."
Lots more there. Great stuff. For those who don't know, Dee Hock was the guy who created VISA, which is an example of a 'chaordic' organization. Non-hierarchical, all participants are relatively free to act on their own.


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2 comments

19 Dec 2014 @ 23:25 by Emine @77.162.161.106 : rGedhnMFAwhnYj
Been following you for a while. Today I am here for the "I love my Online Friends Monday Hop." citrgatulanoons on your decision to go to school. Good luck! And I hope you get a new computer soon.  


23 Dec 2014 @ 14:03 by Bikram @190.37.47.100 : FQaUiKewDcstvCuz
Yay, I finally feurgid out how to grab a button. whoa honey. never been good w/ computer code and such. I'm happy to be a part of I love my online Friends Monday.....I Represent!peace!  


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