What About Hierarchy

We have a complicated relationship with hierarchy. We tend to think hierarchy is a form of oppression. But there is an important distinction between “domination” hierarchies and “nested” or “developmental” hierarchies.

We learn things. We grow. We get better at doing the things that we practice.

We go from not knowing, to novice, to apprentice, to master. This does not mean we exert dominance over anyone. But it does mean that we have ascended up a developmental hierarchy. We have learned something we did not know. We have gotten better at something. We have grown.

Confusion between these different types of hierarchies is the cause of much consternation in our organizations, projects, movements and group efforts. It is good to learn from people that know more than us. And we should consider ourselves lucky when we get to be led by them.

Some of my thoughts on hierarchy were recently featured in an NPQ Article: Exploring Hierarchy as Form. It includes a video of a conversation convened by Edge Leadership, a place where we gather when we want to have dangerous thoughts.

This one is a bit on the “heady” side, but I know some of you will enjoy it.