Just being a leader of others, whether as a parent, teacher, entrepreneur, political or military leader, places this person in a position of power with influence over those that follow and often upon whom they depend.
The fact is that the power these people possess is not open to discussion but a given. Their position carries a certain weight that influences the behavior of those they lead. Often without any way to contest this power.
But there is a way to moderate and seriously influence the leader’s behavior and power. This results from the leader building a talented and courageous small group of unique individuals, which I have labeled for years as “The Inner Circle.”
What makes the Inner Circle such a vital gift to any family or organization is the process I have called “Genuine Dialogue.” It allows members of the Inner Circle to take leadership with full power and wield it identically to the true leader. Ideally, many members of inner circles, as I’ve described, can and will create inner circles of their own.
Most importantly, when any leader creates their Inner Circle, the leader must be willing to share their power and also be ready to step up and support the “now” leader.
“Genuine Dialogue,” with the building blocks I’ve written about and taught for years, inevitably comes upon problems and issues that must be dealt with at the moment. In these instances, the leader may be anyone in the group who is in the best position to address the specific call. Effective leaders know that when they entrust their Inner Circle, Wisdom, not power, takes over.
Sy
It is true that just being a leader puts one in the position of power. Members may project a parental image onto the leader and thereby diminish their own power. Sy’s idea of the Inner Circle gives them back their power when the situation is right for them to use it.