One of the differences between authority and leading is through culture.
Leading in the authority culture looks more like power in control (authority). However overemphasizing control, even though this kind of leading speeds up decision-making and response to disasters or crises, it also creates conflicts and challenges in acceptance and inclusion. In the authority culture, leading looks is about giving orders and expecting compliance.
Leading looks different in the learning culture. It's about finding a better way of doing things, learning from each other, and adapting often. Because the culture is open and welcoming to new ideas, people are encouraged to lead by trying new things and approaches. Even with drawbacks such as a lack of focus and shared understanding about the collective strength, leading can come from anybody and anywhere in the organization.
Authority or leading? It's not a question, but an answer to the change we seek to make in the world.
