In his 1994 autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” the late Nelson Mandela gave his view on what a true leader should be, in these terms: "I always remember the regent’s axiom: a leader, he said, is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind."
Leading behind is a powerful concept for effective leaders. By leading from behind, leaders empower the people they lead, while making sure the people stay on course, pursue the vision, and keep eyes on the ball.
A Reference to the Torah and the Bible
Leading from behind is the ultimate demonstration of democracy, even found in the Bible and the Torah. In Exodus 18:1-20:23, Jethro,