Give Yourself Permission to Lead

The case for fluid leadership

The case for fluid leadership.

How does your organization fly? — Pic by Ethan Weil

Hierarchy is not the enemy.

Complex systems require differentiating the power and size of the different elements. This piece is neither a defense nor another attack on hierarchies.

The solution to overcoming a command-and-control mentality is not necessarily to blow up a company’s structure into pieces.

Both the natural living world and social institutions rely on hierarchies.

According to the authors of Hierarchy in Natural and Social Sciences, it’s not always the end product of intentional design. Sometimes, hierarchy results from random processes or is the result of ensuring optimal circulation of energy for information.

The problem is not hierarchies but a rigid approach — developing fluid leadership is a more effective way to evolve your organization.

Who’s in Command?

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln

Birds have a structured an…