Upside-Down Leadership

Flipping the Org Chart in Spirit

“He works for me.”

It’s a common phrase that’s intended to communicate that the person speaking is the boss/manager/leader of the other referenced person. 

And it’s backwards.  Or maybe better:  upside down.

I borrowed this term from The Bible Project.  I first found their videos attached to devotional plans on the YouVersion Bible App.  They put out extremely well-done animated videos that help readers see some of the historical and linguistic context for books of the Bible.  A phrase you’ll hear over and over again, especially in videos about New Testament books, is “upside-down Kingdom.”  They’re attempting to make the point that Jesus’ Kingdom doesn’t look like you’d expect.

I've started talking about Upside-Down Leadership in the leadership coaching I do.  Flipping the organizational chart upside down helps with more than just leadership perspective, but let’s focus on a mindset shift for now.

If you are a manager or leader, you work for your team and your direct reports.  It’s not the other way around. Your responsibility is for them, their care, their development, their sense of safety and belonging.  

And if you’re a Christian in a leadership role that’s what people should see in you.  Leadership comes with power, and if you’re serious about servant leadership you’ll be aware of that power disparity dynamic in your conversation.  

Yes, accountability and achieving results are important.  But you’ll find that when you approach leadership in this upside-down way both of those are easier.  You’ll build trust. You’ll give the team you’re responsible for the tools they need to succeed.  You’ll help each of your direct reports and others you have influence over to be the best versions of themselves.  

You work for your team.  Consider every day what you can do to make the team you work for better by encouragement, trust, empowerment and a safe place to grow and thrive. Turn the expectations upside down and serve those who have been entrusted to your care and development. See them as human beings, not just people who get stuff done for you or your organization.

“He works with me.” When you are the boss, serve your team well.