Management Style: Leading from the front vs Leading from the back

Over the years, I have learnt so much about staff management, with the people of your business being the driving force that will take you to the realms of success you desire. While you may employ the best in the business, it is essential that you manage those employees in a certain way, sharing your knowledge and vision for them to take forward.

Annual CIPD absence surveys constantly prevail the importance of great management,suggesting that ‘poor management style’ is one of the top causes of work-related stress. This is why talent attraction, development and retention strategies should be considered prior to business execution.   

Leading from the front    

Having been involved in many start-ups from various sectors, I have become a huge fan of leading from the front. This boasts various benefits, engaging frontline leaders to take your idea into a full-fledged business that ticks.   

Leading from the front is leading by example. Inspired by the military , it means not giving orders from the safe area "in the rear with the gear".   

While a very hands-on approach that CEOs and Directors refrain from investing in, I believe those at the top of the business hierarchy should be active in the day-to-day running of an organisation at first. By crafting your employees into a certain style, you can ensure that your initial vision is lived out, staying true to the brand values and missions you originally set out.   

While enjoying being on the frontline, I believe a company can only grow to the next level once the inventors move to the back.  

Leading from the back    

If you have managed your team from the front well, they will boast the strength to continue, working independently while hitting those company objectives. Mirroring the wants you display for the company, you can then lead from the back, steering your convoy of workers from a distance.  

The benefits of leading from the back include:  

  • Clearly seeing the weaknesses and strengths of both employees and the business as a whole.

  • Giving workers the chance to grow without having the pressure of your presence .

  • Elevate yourself as a leader rather than spending your time micro-managing.

What's your leadership style?

Tej Randeva

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The importance of having a great team around you

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Leading from behind: How and why it works