At the start of the New Year, when anything seems possible I consulted the I Ching. Three coins are used participate in this 5,000 year old method of divination. My question was simply ’2011? ‘. Three coins are thrown six times to determine a hexagram and learn an answer.
My hexagram for 2011 is 7 Collective Force, according to R.L. Wing ‘s translation, it is sometimes translated as The Army. The idea of harnessing collective force is one with appeal, on offer is the opportunity to tap into the “energy of mass support”. It sounds like tapping into a band of united followers of some kind, and certainly evokes thoughts relating to followership.
The text for Collective Force is clear that this is not about leading in that the ‘support from the people around you’ must be gained. Also clear is the need for the confidence of ‘those in authority’, they would be the leaders. Collective Forces seems to call for a third group, much like Seth Godin’s linchpins, a group who are neither management nor labour.
Godin says that “The linchpin is an individual who can walk into chaos and create order, someone who can invent, connect, create, and make things happen. “ That sounds like someone who can tap into a collective force. I can determine a harmony, in the ancient and the current texts, without effort.
I’m advised by the I Ching to be generous and accommodating which is interesting when marshalling a collective and imposing rule might be a more expected approach. Godin suggests dignity, humanity and generosity over the surrender implicit in conformity compliance and obedience. A ‘no sheep’ approach rooted in strong inner conviction is required by both the Tao and the Entrepreneur for the Information Age. I am not sure those two should be linked together quite so closely, and no disrespect is meant by doing so. On the lazy summer days of early January one thought leads to another …
I’m looking forward to 2011.
Happy New Year, and congratulations on the launch of this site devoted to such an important topic. While we’re on the topic of the Tao and ancient wisdom, Lao Tzu is credited with saying: If you want to lead the people, you must follow them. Or stand behind them… depends on the translation. Nonetheless, the idea is clear: followership is both how to bring out and use your leadership as a participant or team member, i.e., not in the designated leadership role, and also, a key attitude leaders must have, that his or her power is only valid if it is ratified, and this comes not through force, but through agreement.
Thanks for an inspiring post. I look forward to reading more from you both on the topic.
Julie – There’s an interesting to-and-fro dynamic with following/leading that often reminds me of dancing.