Traditionally, organizations saw leadership ability as top-down, assertive and directive because it was based on a masculine military model. However, more often today, the notion of effective leadership qualities has expanded to include a mix of both “masculine” and “feminine” attributes. For examples, in recent years, feminine attributes like collaboration, adaptability, and empathy routinely show up on lists of in-demand leadership skills along with masculine characteristics of risk-taking and decisiveness.
These changing expectations open up opportunities to lead for almost anyone to use their natural attributes, skills, and strengths effectively to engage others for the good of the team. This is where Kantor’s 4-Player Model comes in. When you lead from any stance in Kantor’s 4-Player Model, you demonstrate that variety of leadership possibilities to others on your team, regardless of an individual’s natural tendencies.
In a previous post, I wrote about the conversational stances identified by David Kantor in his 4-Player Model: Mover, Follower, Opposer, and Bystander. Each of these stances highlights different qualities needed in effective conversations. Interestingly, you can leverage those same qualities to be an effective leader, regardless of the stance you assume.
In other words, every person on your team has a chance to lead from where they sit when they assume any of the stances in Kantor’s 4-player model. Moreover, you can be very effective in a formal leadership role even if you aren’t naturally a “Mover” (which has been the sought after “leader” type).
When you lead from any stance in Kantor’s 4-Player Model, you enable yourself and other team members to embrace the leadership potential in a variety of styles. Furthermore, doing so enhances team dynamics and fosters a more collaborative and innovative team environment.
You Can Lead from Any Stance in Kantor’s 4-Player Model
Here’s how you and other members of your team can demonstrate leadership from each stance in Kantor’s model:
The Mover
Generally, the Mover initiates action and sets the direction for the team. As a Move, you are the one who typically proposes ideas, suggests plans, and drives progress.
A Mover can lead in these ways:
- Initiate with Purpose: Clearly articulate your vision and goals. When proposing actions or ideas, ensure and articulate to the team how these big picture ideas align with the team’s overall objectives and proposed tasks.
- Inspire Confidence: Be decisive and confident in your decisions. Your energy and conviction can motivate the team and set a positive tone. Just remember to invite others to offer their perspectives before you decide.
- Encourage Innovation: Be open to new ideas and encourage creativity. Everything isn’t supposed to be only your idea. Be sure to initiate brainstorming sessions where everyone feels free to contribute.
- Communicate Clearly: Ensure your proposals are well-thought-out and clearly communicated. This clarity helps get the team on board and allows them to offer their challenges and insights.
The Follower
Usually, the Follower supports and completes the actions initiated by the Mover. Even though you are not putting forth a proposal or new idea, you can provide the necessary assistance and ensure plans are executed effectively.
Even though it seems counterintuitive, you can lead from the Follower stance in these ways:
- Demonstrate Commitment: Show dedication to the team’s goals and show your support by being reliable when executing tasks. Your support is crucial in turning ideas into reality.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer valuable insights and suggestions that can enhance or build upon the initial ideas. Even if you state your support for a proposed idea or plan, be an active listener and provide constructive feedback when necessary.
- Facilitate Collaboration: Help coordinate efforts and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Your role is like the glue that is essential to maintain team cohesion.
- Showcase Expertise: As you support an idea or proposal, leverage your skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully. Your expertise can enhance the quality of the team’s output.
The Opposer
The Opposer typically challenges ideas and actions. When you take this stance, you can play a critical role in preventing groupthink and ensuring that decisions are thoroughly vetted.
Be mindful to come across calmly and avoid unnecessarily negative feedback when leading from the Opposer stance as you:
- Challenge Constructively: Question ideas and assumptions in a way that is respectful and aimed at improvement. Your goal is to refine, not to criticize to make yourself look superior or just for the heck of it.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Foster an environment where questioning is valued and valuable. Help the team develop a culture of healthy debate and critical analysis.
- Identify Risks: Highlight potential flaws and risks in proposed ideas. Your vigilance can save the team from costly mistakes and unforeseen obstacles and challenges.
- Suggest Alternatives: When opposing, offer viable alternatives. This shows your intention is to contribute positively and not just to grandstand or negate what others have put forth.
The Bystander
The Bystander observes team dynamics and offers an objective perspective. Using this stand, you help the team gain insight into their processes and interactions as well as the longer timeline of events and alignment with purpose and values.
While this stance might be seen as more passive than others, it can be a powerful stance to lead from. I facilitated a workshop where a participant had an “aha” moment when she realized she had unnecessarily assumed held herself back from applying for leadership positions because she was naturally a Bystander.
Here are the leadership abilities you’ll realize you have as a bystander:
- Observe Impartially: Pay attention to the team’s dynamics and processes. Your role is to notice what others might overlook and offer what you observe and sense to encourage more thoughtful team discussion.
- Provide Insight: Share your observations in a way that is enlightening and constructive. Offer feedback that helps the team reflect and improve.
- Facilitate Reflection: Encourage the team to take a step back and assess their progress and strategies. Help them see the bigger picture and the team’s role in it.
- Balance the Conversation: Ensure that all voices are heard and that no single perspective dominates. Your neutral stance can help mediate and balance discussions by eliciting input from everyone.
Conclusion
In addition to contributing to well-rounded, effective team conversations and creating a dynamic, resilient team culture, you can lead from any stance in Kantor’s 4 Player Model — regardless of your position on the team. Additionally, whatever your natural tendencies or typical stance, you can also be effective as a formal team leader.
So, embrace the strengths and leadership qualities available in each Kantor stance and encourage your team members to do the same. In doing so, you’ll enhance your own leadership capabilities and foster an environment where every team member feels included, valued and empowered to lead.
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