Leadership: Responsibility Thinking versus Progress Thinking

Overview

In modern leadership theory and practice, there is an increasingly apparent tension between two mental models: responsibility thinking and progress thinking. These approaches differ in their philosophy, psychological foundations, and practical relevance for leadership management. While responsibility thinking offers a clear framework for duties, responsibilities, and areas of activity, progress thinking focuses on continuous development, innovation, and adaptation. This article examines these two approaches from a philosophical and psychological perspective and analyses their significance for self-management and team leadership. Finally, we will look at the future relevance of progress thinking in an increasingly digitised and dynamic working world.

Philosophical and Psychological Dimensions of Responsibility Thinking

Responsibility thinking can be understood as a mental framework rooted in traditional notions of responsibility, duties, and hierarchies. Philosophically, it reflects a rather conservative approach that focuses on preserving structures and stability. The Greek philosopher Aristotle, for example, emphasised the importance of clear distribution of tasks within a community to ensure order and justice. This viewpoint suggests that the proper functioning of an organisation depends on clearly defined roles and responsibilities that should not be exceeded.

Psychologically, responsibility thinking provides actors within a system with a sense of security and predictability. People tend to feel comfortable within well-defined areas of responsibility, as this strengthens their identity within an organisation. This way of thinking is based on the assumption that stability arises from clear guidelines, and individual responsibilities create a controlled, manageable work environment. This psychological security often leads managers to anchor themselves in their areas of responsibility and strive to maintain the status quo.

Progress Thinking: A Philosophy of Development and Innovation

In contrast, progress thinking is rooted in the philosophy of the Enlightenment. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau viewed humans as beings capable of improving themselves and the world around them through reflection and reason. Here, progress is not accidental but the result of conscious, rational action. This way of thinking aims to question existing structures and constantly seek better ways to solve problems and unlock new potentials.

Psychologically, progress thinking is based on the principle of self-efficacy, developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. People who believe in their ability to overcome challenges and bring about change tend to internalise progress thinking. This mental model promotes a growth mindset, enabling individuals to continually develop and act effectively in uncertain or new situations. Leaders who have internalised progress thinking generally act proactively, seek new paths, and are willing to take risks to find innovative solutions.

The Transformation of Leadership and Responsibility: From Managing to Progressing

Traditional leadership practices often emphasised responsibility thinking due to its association with clear hierarchies, areas of responsibility, and control over workflows. Managers focused on maximising the efficiency of existing systems by standardising processes and clearly defining roles. This resulted in stable, well-structured organisations but often limited their adaptability.

Progress thinking, on the other hand, requires a completely different approach to leadership. Instead of viewing responsibility as a well-defined task, it is understood as a dynamic process. Leaders who follow this approach see themselves as catalysts for change and development. Their focus is not only on managing existing processes but also on creating an environment that fosters continuous learning, experimentation, and innovation. They value open communication, encourage autonomous actions, and view mistakes as necessary steps in the learning process. The goal is to empower teams and organisations to develop themselves further and exceed their own limits to enable growth.

The Relevance of Progress Thinking in Self-Management for Leaders

For leaders, it is crucial to internalise progress thinking not only when managing their teams but also in personal self-management. In an increasingly complex working world, relying solely on existing skills and responsibilities is no longer sufficient. Instead, leaders must be capable of continuously questioning their own development and preparing for new challenges.

This requires a high degree of self-reflection and the willingness to break away from old thought patterns. Leaders who remain stuck in responsibility thinking risk falling behind in new developments. Progress thinking, however, promotes the ability to adapt to new circumstances and proactively respond to change. This also means that leaders must step out of their comfort zone and learn new skills to remain successful in an ever-changing work environment.

Progress Thinking and Team Leadership: The Transition from Control to Self-Determination

The importance of progress thinking is becoming increasingly clear in team leadership. While responsibility thinking relies on controlled, centralised decision-making, progress thinking fosters a decentralised, participative leadership culture. Superiors who practise progress thinking see their role in creating the framework for innovation and autonomy. They promote creative freedom and encourage their teams to develop their own solutions and make decisions.

This means that team leaders must consciously relinquish control over certain processes and decisions. In an environment based on progress thinking, trust becomes the central element of team leadership. Leaders must give their employees the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them rather than monitoring every decision. This requires courage and the willingness to accept uncertainty. At the same time, it leads to a higher level of engagement and autonomy within the team, as employees feel they are making a real contribution to the organisation’s progress.

Future Importance of Progress Thinking for Leaders

In a rapidly changing working world, progress thinking will be crucial for those in leadership positions. Advancing digitalisation, new technologies, and global competition require a high level of flexibility and a willingness to innovate. Leaders who cling to rigid responsibilities will struggle to succeed in this dynamic environment.

Progress thinking enables a quick and effective response to new challenges. This includes not only the ability to anticipate technological developments but also the willingness to question traditional hierarchies and structures. Leaders must learn to think in networks and operate beyond the boundaries of their own organisation. This requires a high level of openness to new ideas and concepts, as well as the ability to continuously educate themselves and develop new skills.

The Role of Digitalisation in Progress Thinking

Advancing digitalisation will further reinforce progress thinking. The introduction of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and big data, will change many of the traditional areas of responsibility for leaders. Decisions will increasingly be data-driven, and the ability to interpret these data effectively and turn them into strategic decisions will become a central leadership task.

Therefore, team leaders must not only deal with the technical aspects of digitalisation but also with its social and cultural impact. Digital transformation changes how teams collaborate and requires new forms of leadership based on trust, openness, and agility. Progress thinking enables leaders to actively shape these changes and lead their teams successfully in a dynamic, technologically driven environment.

Conclusion

The tension between responsibility thinking and progress thinking poses a central challenge for leaders. While responsibility thinking relies on stability and control, progress thinking offers the opportunity for continuous development and responsiveness to new challenges. In an increasingly complex and digitalised working world, progress thinking becomes the key to long-term leadership success. It requires courage, flexibility, and a willingness to explore new paths, both in personal self-management and team leadership. Only leaders who are prepared to question their old thought patterns and actively evolve will be able to successfully meet the challenges of the future.