The New Leadership: A Synthesis of Hierarchy and Democracy
© 1996 by Corinne McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson

The new visionary leadership expresses a synthesis of hierarchical, top-down approaches and egalitarian, democratic approaches. This new leadership provides a higher sense of purpose and clear direction, yet also encourages a great deal of creativity and independence in others. It presents a challenge that calls for the best in people and brings them together around a shared sense of purpose and meaning.

So often today we see mostly dysfunctional expressions of the principles of both hierarchy and democracy. Most hierarchies express arrogance and abuse of power, repressing expressions of new creative impulses. The limitation of the leader or leadership group becomes the limitation of an entire organization or society. Dysfunctional hierarchies create immense frustration in others, accompanied by threats of rebellion or at least passive resistance and subtle sabotage.

A distorted emphasis on egalitarian, democratic approaches is also commonly dysfunctional. It often leads to what's called "the tyranny of the structureless group," where no one is empowered to take initiative on behalf of the group, and there is a great deal of stagnation and/or covert manipulation. Standards can sink to the lowest common denominator acceptable to all. Overemphasis on equality also places inappropriate expectations, assuming abilities of those who may not have them, which can result in guilt, anger or resentment if these expectations are not lived up to. Too much emphasis on equality can lead to a lack of motivation for developing one's own potential, as no greater rewards accrue for excellence, and others tend to view greater abilities with jealousy.

The best aspect of democracy, however, is compassion and inclusiveness. It gives people the maximum freedom to grow and develop. Ideally, it bestows equal opportunity, political rights and decision-making powers on all citizens so that they may develop their full potential.

The best aspect of hierarchy is the rewarding of skill, quality, and excellence. Authority is matched with skill and the ability to take responsibility. Hierarchy ideally provides inspirational examples for modeling what others are striving to become.

Hierarchy is actualized potential in the present time. The principle of democracy acknowledges future potential and encourages its development through compassionate inclusiveness. Although everyone may be theoretically equal in potential, not everyone is at the same level of manifesting that potential at a given time. Time is the key element in understanding these principles.

Democracy provides opportunity and encouragement; hierarchy recognizes ability and accomplishment. Democracy provides the environment to hold and nourish people's development; hierarchy shows the direction they can grow into. Democracy values inclusiveness, relationship, listening, compassion. Hierarchy values leadership, purpose, direction, vision, efficiency. By studying who is more developed in a given area, we can learn from them (and develop humility). By studying who is less developed in a given area, we see whom we can help and how to best help them (and thus develop a sense of compassionate responsibility).

Where there is a good synthesis of hierarchy and democracy, leaders accept only as much authority as people are willing to give them. Work gets done through inspiring people with the vision or purpose, rather than by dominating or threatening them. There is an encouragement, rather than a suppression of feedback, as effective leaders know how to listen well and learn from what they hear. These leaders empower people, rather than dominate them. They create power with others, rather than power over others. True leaders put individuals in touch with the "leader within" themselves, bringing them through a process of self-transformation and inner awakening that makes inspired leadership possible. They establish a standard of excellence, attracting commitment from people and energizing them, creating a sense of team spirit and ownership of the vision.

Visionary leadership is educative, rather than directive. It inspires responsibility rather than creating dependence. Realizing that people already have the potential wisdom and creativity within them, visionary leaders draw it out, helping people develop their skills and sense of self-confidence. As the ancient Chinese sage Lao Tzu said, "Leadership is best when the people say, 'We have done this ourselves!'"