Upside-Down Leadership

When a leadership hierarchy is displayed, it usually begins with the CEO at the top, followed by the president, vice presidents, directors and managers—all the way down to the people who make up the individual departments and do the daily work.

That familiar pyramid has been around for a long time. It helps define roles, responsibilities and how everyone relates to one another.

In the theater, the structure might begin with an executive producer, followed by the producer, writer, stage director, choreographer, lighting designer, music director and media designer. Continue down the pyramid and eventually you reach the performers onstage and the technical team supporting them.

Both versions present a clear picture of authority.

But from my perspective, they don’t present a very good picture of leadership.

The traditional pyramid places the primary workforce along the bottom and leadership at the very top. Servant leadership turns that picture upside down.

Flip the triangle onto its point, and leadership is no longer standing above everyone else. Leadership is underneath the organization—supporting it, strengthening it and lifting its people toward the top.

That distinction matters because the people traditionally shown at the bottom of the pyramid are often the first to engage the customer or audience. They create the first impression. They deliver the work. They are the faces, voices and hands through which the organization’s promises become real.

In the theater, the audience doesn’t see the organizational chart.

They see the performers. They hear the musicians. They experience the work of the crew. Every detail presented to them is the result of someone using their talent, preparation and judgment in the moment.

A leader’s responsibility is to make certain those people have what they need to succeed: clear direction, proper tools, thoughtful preparation, genuine encouragement and the confidence of knowing that someone is supporting them.

Leadership isn’t about finding your place at the top of the pyramid.

It’s about getting underneath your people and helping lift them there.

Turn the pyramid upside down—and let your people rise.