The Funnel, The Umbrella, and The Compass: A New Spin on Leadership Styles.

(Inspired by an article by Rohit Manghnani )

In today’s world of social media leadership gurus and endless advice on how to “lead like a pro,” it feels like everyone’s searching for that elusive, perfect management formula. You know the one—a step-by-step guide that tells you exactly how to lead your team to success. But while we might not know the perfect solution, we definitely know what doesn’t work. Still, is it ever that simple?

Inspired by Rohit Manghnani’s article (Link at the end) on Funnel and Umbrella management, I’ve taken a closer look and added my own spin, introducing a third style I call the Compass. Let’s explore these three leadership types and see how they shape up in the real world.

1. The Funnel Boss?

Control the flow; narrow the focus.

Ever sat in a meeting where your boss has already decided the plan, and every idea that doesn’t fit gets shot down? That’s the Funnel boss—focused, decisive, and laser-locked on their vision. All ideas pass through their filter, and if they don’t match up, they’re tossed aside.

When it works:

• Imagine a product recall. With chaos on the horizon, the Funnel boss steps up, makes the tough calls, and ensures quick action. No time for back-and-forth, just fast decisions to limit the damage.
• Think of a high-stakes construction project with tight deadlines. The Funnel boss ensures every team member sticks to the plan, cutting out distractions and unnecessary ideas that could slow progress.

But when it flops:

• Picture this: A new competitor is shaking things up, and an employee has an innovative idea for a business pivot. The Funnel boss ignores it because it doesn’t fit their current strategy—and just like that, a golden opportunity is lost.
• In a fast-paced tech company, relying too much on tried-and-true methods can mean falling behind as competitors embrace new, game-changing innovations.

2. The Umbrella Boss

Foster creativity; embrace experimentation.

On the other hand, there’s the Umbrella boss. This leader encourages every idea, no matter how far-fetched. They provide a shield under which their team can explore new concepts without fear of immediate judgment.

When it works:

• In a creative agency, this approach sparks wild and unconventional thinking, leading to a viral ad campaign that revitalizes the brand’s image.
• In a research and development team, the Umbrella boss encourages collaboration between departments, leading to an award-winning product that takes the market by storm.?

But when it doesn’t:

• When speed is critical, like during a supply chain crisis, the Umbrella boss might get bogged down in endless discussions, leading to missed opportunities as the competition moves faster
• In a financial firm, this boss’s encouragement of risk-taking without clear boundaries could lead to regulatory issues and costly fines.

The Compass Boss?

Provide direction; remain flexible.

Now, here’s my addition—the Compass boss. These leaders offer guidance, steering their teams toward a shared vision but remaining open to new ideas. They strike the perfect balance between the control of the Funnel and the creative freedom of the Umbrella.

When it works:

• At a global tech company, the Compass boss encourages teams to pitch bold, innovative ideas, but ensures they align with the company’s long-term strategy. The result? A groundbreaking product that both meets market demand and stays true to the company’s values.
• In the healthcare industry, the Compass boss fosters early exploration while keeping a tight grip on budget and regulatory standards, ensuring the project stays on course.

But when it falters:

• In a highly innovative industry, a Compass boss can sometimes limit truly groundbreaking ideas by focusing too much on staying aligned with long-term goals.
• If a market rapidly shifts, the Compass boss might struggle to adapt quickly, sticking too closely to the original plan and leaving the team slow to respond.

Is There a Perfect Leadership Style???

At the end of the day, each style has its own strengths—and its weaknesses. Maybe the secret sauce to great leadership isn’t picking one style over the others but knowing when to blend the sharp focus of the Funnel, the creativity of the Umbrella, and the strategic direction of the Compass. The real question is: Is that even possible? Or is the perfect leader just another management myth, like the Yeti or a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow??

Either way, it’s a challenge worth tackling ???

Link to Rohit's Article (https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/rohitmanghnani_the-umbrella-and-the-funnel-management-style-activity-7242020781667315713-gWxT?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)