What does Beyond Leadership mean? The concept originates from the American Patrick D. Cowden. Unlike traditional leadership concepts, which have long proven insufficient for modern organisations, the beyond leadership approach is about a new quality of collaboration enabled by team agility and each individual’s ability to cooperate. The focus of this model is no longer on a single person but on the shared goal. The approach is best introduced in a workshop and then integrated into day-to-day work – because this new culture of cooperation first needs to be firmly established within the organisation.
Beyond Leadership strengthens team spirit
No more rigid roles, outdated structures and hierarchy: beyond leadership is about honest, direct and thus highly productive collaboration. The mindset of team members should shift – from a self-centred to a team-oriented perspective. Changes like these promote mutual understanding, create transparency and clarity, and foster greater acceptance. The basic beyond leadership model comprises five phases, though it can now be expanded to eight. The principle in brief:
Phase 1: Connect
At the beginning, the question is: “Who am I and why am I here?” This is not about career or CVs, but about core beliefs and values. Each team member has two minutes to present their answer to the group, followed by time for feedback – which must be exclusively positive and appreciative.
Phase 2: Align
In small reflection groups, impressions, experiences and emotions are shared. Are there any questions left from the feedback in Phase 1? Are some beliefs still unclear? Dialogue is a special method to improve team collaboration. Questions like “Who are we and what do we have in common?” also belong in this round.
Phase 3: Imagine
Now it gets concrete. It’s about which specific challenges the group wants to solve and which goals it aims to achieve. The question is: “Who could we be and what could we achieve together?”
Phase 4: Act
The key question now is: “What can I personally do to ensure the company lives and acts by our values?” Each member defines for themselves what they will contribute to reach the shared team goal.
Phase 5: Reflection
This phase is dedicated to reflecting on the steps developed around the beyond leadership approach.
Welcoming change through new leadership concepts
If properly and carefully implemented, the model can be a helpful approach to internal transformation and effective change. Beyond leadership redefines leadership and the concept of team spirit – and both employees and managers must be willing to engage with it. If all parties are open to a new way of working together, beyond leadership enables a new form of productivity, appreciation, efficiency and belonging.