One of the key aspects of Leader as Host is the power of invitations. Whereas Hero leaders might instruct, and others might request, a Host leader will use the power of a compelling invitation to engage people. I have been thinking for a while about what makes a great invitation. Of course we need to know what we’re being invited to – both at the conceptual and practical level.

What kind of thing is this? What will be happening? What might be expected of us? And when/where? All these things are important. And one more thing, even more important… it has to be OK to say No. In order for an invitation to be really an invitation, it has to be totally OK and acceptable for the invitee to refuse. It’s the open space of genuine choice that allows an authentic Yes to emerge – with the full force and power of personal choice, acceptance and commitment. For those of us working in organisations, it will be interesting to see how the ‘soft’ power of inviting can work alongside the other dimensions of leadership.