The surrogate leadership principle

8 Feb 2023 · 0 min

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0:26

In this brief segment, Richard Milligan introduces the "surrogate leadership principle" using an "invisible scale" metaphor. He explains that you and the current leader occupy opposite ends of this scale. When you deliver real, practical value—specifically, business‑usable solutions that solve problems—you tip the scale, creating an imbalance that causes the existing leader to move toward you. The principle asserts that providing tangible leadership value can substitute for formal authority, shifting influence toward the value‑giver.

There's an invisible scale that exists and you exist on one side of the scale and their current leader exists on the other side of the scale. And when you bring value, real value, like value I can use in my business kind of value, value that I can use to solve problems kind of value, you shift the scales out of balance. Okay, we call it the surrogate leadership principle. Okay, if I'm lacking leadership and you provide leadership value, I will move towards you.