Flipping the Triangle (Pyramid) and Leading From the Bottom…Up

June is “Boss Month.” Recommend that the PatchCom network run a contest on “Best Leaders” by sector in its coverage area on ”Leaders That Get It" Trying to understand the difference between “leadership” versus “management or bossism” is an age-old quest.

Somehow, we have this subliminal or subconscious need to place our "leaders" at the top of the food-chain, or pyramid. More often than not, they disappoint us and fall way short of expectations. I am for "flipping the pyramid or triangle upside down" and bring in a tidal wave of “Bottom Up” thinking on defining leadership--again not a new concept or vision.

Several years ago, I was handling a piece of cardboard shaped like a triangle and casually flipped it "upside down". The realization set in that there is a way for top executives to operate from the bottom-up and guide the entire organization through enlightened leadership. Dating back to the Pharaohs, "so called" leaders have been placed on pedestals. Over 4,000 years ago, pyramids were built in their honor. Today we build them skyscrapers and ball parks and arenas, with "pyramid," top-heavy organization charts to boot (mind you, not leadership charts).

The new "Robber Barons" are no different from their counterparts in the late 19th/early 20th Century, during the “Age of Industrialization”.  Only today, they wield economic  tools of destruction like hedge-funds, derivatives, insider trading..combined with run-away bonuses and compensation levels earned largely at the expense of more job-layoffs, reduced productivity and economic turmoil for our country and the world. 

Their only loyalties appear to be board room allies and stock quotes, unbridled greed and absolute power--and a thinly veiled regard for employees and customers. Bernie Madoff was not the only one running Ponzi schemes. He just happens to be the most glaring, by-product. Contrary to popular belief, it’s also not just about Wall Street. It just happens to be at the epicenter of what ails business that’s driven from the “top-down” management style--no matter the size or business, sector, product/service or geographic area. We don't need reality shows like "Undercover Boss" to reveal the "bankruptcy" or "vacuum" in today's leadership. It's astounding how we are mesmerized by such paragons of corporate leadership as “The Donald” and his bombastic style on "The Apprentice" follies.

Instead, let’s take the temperature of unrest in this country and the world to guide us on what constitutes true "leadership." We are still minting MBAs a dime a dozen, but very few leaders that combine "brains, emotional intelligence and compassion."

We have heard the constant refrain about the need for TOP compensation in order to bring in the best talent. Yes, but at what cost. This is not about the re-distribution of wealth. It's about recognizing those special people who have the fortitude to assume the mantle of leadership or stewardship of any organization. We also don’t need more government bail-outs, oversight and more regulation. We need a seismic shift to "enlightened capitalism", social entrepreneurism and leadership from the "bottom up"--a new breed of corporate management.

The "upside-down triangle" or inverted pyramid would still compensate the very best leaders for their talents, their productivity and their performance--but based on different parameters.

1) Compensation for being innovative and "building better mousetraps" and competing globally and domestically.

2) Defining success and profitability by productivity and market share--not by countless job cutbacks and layoffs and pandering to board members and shareholders.

3) Willingness to synchronize bonus, options and other benefits with the overall stability of the work-force (both in union and non-union environments).

4) Creating an atmosphere of "openness", profit sharing and success sharing--all proportionate to title, rank and level of responsibility.

"Bottom Up" Leadership is not the abdication of responsibility, risk-reward and control.It's a re-alignment in values which allows everyone to benefit and not disproportionately and at the expense of others within the "team". It would be refreshing for the mythical Three Musketeers to ride again, with their motto, "All for One and One for All".The tide is shifting with such “new enlightened leaders” as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and even regional leaders like, John Bogle, Founder and past CEO at The Vanguard Group.Suggest reading Bogle’s book, “Enough: True Measures of Money, Business and Life” and let’s uncover the best leaders in this Region and applaud them.