The concept of non-positional leadership is typically associated with
charismatic leadership.[1]
The Hebrew prophets are a case in point, as none had any formal civic position.
To be sure, a non-positioned leader need not be charismatic; such a leader can
be effective in utilizing persuasion to get his or her position (i.e.,
"vision") sufficiently adopted by followers to become the default.
Obviously, a positioned official, whether in the upper echelons of a large
corporation, government, or religious institution, need not “stoop” to
persuasion; power from authority can be sufficient for an official's will to be
done. However, does that evince leadership or simply raw power?
Gandhi epitomized non-positional leadership. He never held a formal office in religion or government. Is the strength of non-positional leadership necessarily moral? Image Source: Idleindia.com
