Stepback Philosophy

The lost leadership art of the Filipinos which existed since 1 A.D.

Stepback Leadership

PLG Model

We believe in putting the people at the center of leadership.

We make it appear simple: “Put the people at the center of leadership.” However, in reality, it’s more difficult than it seems. The reason is we get used to putting our leaders at the center and the people on the side. It has become a “king-of-the-hill” game—where one wins the throne and the other gets thrown.

The leader-centered leadership must end. It’s time to bring back the people at the center of leadership. Because, the people are the only reason leadership is possible.

The People

Leader + Goal - People = No function

We believe that the only reason why leaders lead is because of people. Without people, leadership is not possible.

Thus, the people is core in leadership.

The people is the object of your leadership. And it's not just another object. In fact, it's an object full of life, ideals, and aspiration. You put people at the center of every decision you make.

Your leadership isn't about you. It's about the people you serve.

Leader

People + Goal - Leader = No Direction

As leaders, it's our primary obligation to provide direction for people. They have goals but if we don't do our job, they are clueless about where they're going.

The leader connects the people and their goal whether it is mere survival or towering success.

The people look for a leader who can help them. It's not the leader who look for people to serve them. People choose their leader. And if leadership were a birthright to them, they still act the way real leaders do.

Thus, the leader takes the second circle next to people.

Goal

People + Leader - Goal = No destination

Leaders and their people must agree on where they intend to go and what they'd like to accomplish together. Otherwise, they won't accomplish anything.

Without a common goal, successful leadership is difficult to achieve.

Our ability to achieve like new invention, creation, or innovation separates us from animals. But hardly anyone makes it alone. It's always about two or more people working together.

However, working together only comes after envisioning something together. That's why the third circle of leadership is goal. Leadership is pointless without a goal a goal to achieve or a destination reach.

Join the Ifugao Rice Terraces Stepback Leadership Expedition

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It's refreshing to learn the old leadership wisdom of Filipinos. I regret not to know about this earlier. After this, we have the chance to rebuild our organization based on our original leadership system.