At ALL IN, we define leadership as Marshall Ganz does: “taking responsibility for enabling others to achieve shared purpose under conditions of uncertainty.”
Within this framework, leadership does not have a particular title or occupy a specific position. It doesn’t dress a particular way and isn’t necessarily charismatic, assertive or even vocal – it doesn’t even actually need to do anything.
No, according to Ganz, leadership is simply a commitment to see “the problem” as “my problem” and take responsibility for creating change.
What, then, does it mean to be an effective leader?
Beyond simply deciding to take ownership over solving a problem, effective leaders have (or develop) the vulnerability, vision, values, vigor and valuable skills needed to consistently transform good intentions into great outcomes.
It is for this reason that we believe facilitation (and its first cousin, organizing) is not just a helpful leadership skill but the most fundamental skill of effective leaders.
Facilitation is the ability to make things happen through, with and for others. It is about equipping people with the power to make change. It is the foundation of real leadership.
And, it is why we don’t trust any “leader” who doesn’t also consider herself to be a facilitator/organizer.
Ultimately, the world needs more real leaders who not only decide to get in the proverbial arena, “[face marred] by dust and sweat and blood” – we need more leaders who actually have the skills required to win.
At ALL IN, this is our mission, and our joy – we help leaders unlock human potential through masterful facilitation.
