I recently heard an unusual comparison between two technologies: a computer and a television. A computer is a lean-forward technology, whereas a television is a lean-back technology. It made me think that management styles also could fall into those two different categories.

A lean-forward leader would tend to be engaged and actively listening, but a lean-back leader would be comfortably disengaged and relaxed. While the lean-forward leader would be ready to pounce on a new idea or trend, the lean-back leader would be contented to wait for the future to unfold and only then get on the bandwagon.

Picture the lean-forward leader driving a car while gripping the steering wheel and bearing down on the gas pedal. Now imagine a relaxed, lean-back leader steering the car confidently with one hand on the wheel. And then, as the car is rounding a curve, it hits a speed bump.

If you think of the car as a company, who would you prefer to have in the driver’s seat when the car hits the bump? Someone leaning forward or leaning back? What’s your leadership style? Ask, assess, then act.