This year, the impossible juxtaposition of the Israeli Holocaust, Memorial and Independence days (“mazal tov” to us at 74) reminded me of the three-levels of dependency by Dr. Stephen Covey: dependence, independence, and interdependence. [1]
This idea of the three levels is especially relevant today — on personal, organizational, and national levels. The essence of the idea:
- We are born completely dependent on our caregivers. Helpless in even the most basic needs of eating and pooping.
- Then, when we are young, we develop our independent abilities — we start to take more and more charge of our lives (aka known as the times of me, me, me).
- Yet, at some point, when we grow older and wiser, we understand that we must be inter-dependent — meaning we need to work with others, be leaders and followers, and be part of systems.
This is a powerful and generative idea with great ramifications for personal lives (e.g., couplehood, family), professional lives (e.g., teams, leaders, key people, etc.), and of course, nations (e.g., the Ukraine, or Israel and its neighbors).
Two examples from the business world:
Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of Popeyes (2007-2017), states that she sees “the Franchisees as the most important customers.” This is a clear example of a leader who understands the corporate’s interdependence with its “front line people.” [2]
On the other hand, when Robin Ganzert joined American Humane as it’s new president and CEO, she thought she was helming one of the oldest and best-known animal welfare organizations in the US. She didn’t know that American Humane was $12.2 million dollars in debt following the 2009 financial crisis. By running the non-profit more like a for-profit, Robin fixed American Humane’s finances while changing its work culture and branding. BUT she had to ‘release’ many of the “past” employees. Acting forcefully and swiftly demonstrates a high level of independent leadership. [3]
Hence for me, a fourth form of dependence emerges from these 2 examples: “meta-dependence.”
- Meta-dependence is the ability to know what kind of dependence is needed for which situation. The ability to evaluate, reflect, and then choose between the three kinds is a key part of leadership.
Wishing Israel and the world to choose the right “dependence” level. [4]
Notes:
[1] The work of Stephen Covey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Covey
[2] On Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of Popeyes from Harvard business review https://hbr.org/2016/10/the-ceo-of-popeyes-on-treating-franchisees-as-the-most-important-customers)
[3] On Robin Ganzert and American Humane see Guy Raz highly recommended podcast “Wisdom from the top” — https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/built-it-productions/wisdom-from-the-top-luminary-premium/7fdd7724-18e3-4506-8e3f-fd26b3c9407a
[4] “Hammer and Lion” picture taken yesterday when celebrating Israel’s 74th independence day.
