The concept of "Vision 2020" represents our desire for predictability, but the truth is that the future is complicated and hard to anticipate.
In today's fast-paced and unpredictable world, traditional leadership and planning methods often need to be revised. This blog post will explore an alternative leadership approach called the Constellation mindset, as highlighted in the thought-provoking book, The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go by Matthew Barzun.
The Desire for Certainty
People have an inherent dislike for uncertainty. We create rigid structures, hierarchies, and plans to gain control and certainty over the future. We rely on organizational charts, key performance indicators, and dashboards to ease our anxiety. However, the desire for certainty often leads us to resist change and cling to power, even though we know deep down that certainty is scarce.
The Constellation Mindset
The Constellation mindset offers a different approach to leadership. Instead of focusing solely on a predetermined destination, it embraces the idea of possibility and multiple paths. It recognizes that engagement should be voluntary and that leadership should flow based on evolving needs. Power is not hoarded but given and exercised through shared principles, habits, and sentiments.
Freedom from vs. Freedom with
Technology has granted us independence from certain hassles but has not helped us build meaningful connections and create together. The traditional Pyramid mindset, characterized by hierarchical structures and consolidated power, provides a false sense of independence and security. In contrast, the Constellation mindset values freedom from others. It encourages collaboration, autonomy, and choice while fostering a different kind of security and stability.
Lessons from Mary Parker Follett
Mary Parker Follett, a well-known leadership expert, offers valuable insights into effective leadership. Follett's emphasis on integration, where individuality is enhanced rather than diminished, aligns with the Constellation mindset. She believed in a blend of formal and informal power, where leaders involve colleagues in decision-making processes and treat them as active contributors rather than pawns.
The Power of Interdependence
Google's research on effective team dynamics highlighted the importance of interdependence and psychological safety. Teams that fostered strong relationships, where mistakes were not held against individuals and difficult conversations were encouraged, achieved higher effectiveness. The Constellation mindset recognizes the value of forming special relationships and creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
From Win/Lose to Engaging and Making Together
Our society often emphasizes a win/lose mentality, perpetuating competition and division. Rather than trying to win at everything, we should focus on creating big things together, embracing differences, and finding mutually beneficial solutions. The Constellation mindset challenges this perspective by encouraging engagement, collaboration, and co-creation.
The Constellation mindset provides a refreshing perspective on leadership in a world of complexity, uncertainty, and interconnectedness. By embracing the unknown, valuing relationships, and fostering interdependence, leaders can navigate today's challenges more effectively. It is time to let go of the desire for certainty and embrace the power of possibility, collaboration, and creating big things together.