What comes to mind when you envision leading from the back? Do you associate words like “weak” or “powerless” with the concept? What if we told you that the most effective leaders excel at taking a step back?

Nelson Mandela said it best: “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”

In traditional leadership models, managers are typically at the forefront. They direct every move and make all the key decisions. This can very easily devolve into a manager becoming the second leader, micromanaging and ruling with an iron fist. Contrary to this belief, the most effective leadership often comes from knowing when to take a step back. Let’s talk about how leading from the back can push your team to new heights.

Ownership Is King

One of the key tenets of the third leader is encouraging ownership. The third leader knows that when their team feels a sense of ownership over their projects, they’ll be more innovative and engaged in their work. The best way to accomplish this is by installing LeaderOS into your management style. When a leader can effectively create clarity, build alignment, and generate movement, ownership has the opportunity to flourish.

Once everyone is fully on board with what needs to be done and their OKRs, it’s time to take a step back as a leader. You’re there when they need you, you provide support and guidance, but you aren’t actively at the helm. When leaders can take a step back and give their team autonomy to make decisions, take risks, and manage their own projects, they create a space where people feel truly responsible for their outcomes. This sense of ownership not only boosts confidence but also improves engagement and motivation among the team.

Cultivating Innovation

Enabling people to innovate is the key to success. Stepping back as a leader gives the rest of the team space to be creative and experiment. Encouraging teams to explore new ideas without fear or oversight is a surefire way to allow for diversity of thought and perspectives. These elements are critical for innovation. This will also allow the organization to remain nimble and agile in the face of constant change. It’s the main driver of staying competitive in this market.

Encouraging Team Development

Developing future leaders within your organization is a core component of being a third leader. Leading from the back provides your team members with invaluable leadership experience. It also helps them refine their decision-making and problem-solving skills. This boosts their personal growth and ensures that your organization has a strong pipeline of capable leaders ready to take on more responsibility. Doing so will make sure there is no shortage of leadership potential within your organization and frees you up to climb the ladder.

Knowing When to Step In

Effective leadership is about balance—knowing when to step in and when to step back. Leading from the back doesn’t mean giving up responsibility or authority; it means strategically guiding your team while giving them the autonomy to grow. By providing support, resources, and guidance only when necessary, you help your team feel empowered while still ensuring that the project stays on course.

Leading from the back is a powerful way to push your team forward, as long as you’ve laid the groundwork. Once you’ve created clarity, built alignment, and generated movement, it’s time to trust your team to take it from there. Allowing them to do so will encourage a greater sense of ownership, cultivate innovation for creative problem-solving, and develop the next generation of leadership. This approach will not only help your team succeed but will also contribute to a stronger, more innovative organization.