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Rising Above Rank: Embracing the Democracy of Ideas in Leadership
Becoming an officer in the Singapore Armed Forces is easy. You simply march two rounds around the parade square, and you are magically transformed into a second lieutenant. Together with this transformation comes all the rights, privileges, authority, and responsibilities of an officer. Never mind that up to a few hours before marching around the parade square, you were still taking instructions from non-commissioned officers and in some instances, being disciplined by them.
Okay. I admit it, I am exaggerating. But only slightly.
The point I am making is that rank, or in the corporate world appointment, matters. Marching the two rounds around the parade square does not change a person and has no bearing on the quality of a person’s thinking and ability to make decisions. But, after marching the two rounds, others in the military have to listen to the officer and his words carry weight.
This phenomenon is not unique to the military and, in my opinion, is what keeps organizations from reaching their potential. A “title means right” mentality will hinder the emergence of quality ideas and, succeeding in a VUCA world, requires leaders to rely on collective wisdom to adapt, innovate, and be proactive in their decision-making and problem-solving.
If a leader only listens to individuals based solely on their rank or appointment, the leader risks missing out on the possible valuable contributions from those without such titles. It is therefore essential that leaders embrace the democracy of ideas to tap into the collective wisdom of their team.
