Learning from the Asanoha Pattern: "Inviting Leadership" – Fostering Independence and Resonance Without Relying on "Gravity"

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a truly inspiring conference. It was a gathering of individuals who are at the very heart of an international movement.

The space was filled with pure "fervor." The deep respect for the founder, the shared vision, and the genuine passion of everyone committed to making the world a better place—it was undeniably real. That energy was charged with the power to make us feel strongly compelled to start something new, exploring new possibilities.

Yet, precisely because I was amidst such fervor, I found myself pausing to reflect on a question:

What truly defines the nature of leadership style rooted in deep respect for others and their inherent possibilities?

1. The Divide Created by Overwhelming "Gravity": The Light and Shadow of Influence and Inspiration

When considering leadership types, many might immediately think of "Influential" and "Inspiring."

• Influential: A type that powerfully guides an organization toward its goal with a strong vision and logic.

• Inspiring: A type that shares enthusiasm and dreams, drawing out people's intrinsic motivation through external engagement.

  
  

Both are potent energies essential for driving movements and projects forward and unlocking various possibilities.

However, could this "strength" and "rightness" sometimes inadvertently create a certain coercive force? That's what I sensed at the conference. Unwavering conviction is the engine of a movement, but I've come to believe that its "strength" and "rightness" can, at times, tend towards exclusivity. As a result, it can create an atmosphere where it's difficult to voice dissenting opinions, or where one might feel alienated if their level of passion differs slightly from others.

Because of of this very strength, it can unintentionally push away those with differing opinions or different levels of enthusiasm—that's the subtle, unconscious "wall" I sensed there, hindering the full spectrum of possibilities.

2. The Essence of Leadership: "Inviting Leadership" through the Asanoha Pattern

The leadership style that most captivates me now is, without a doubt, "Inviting Leadership". This cannot exist without deep respect for others and their possibilities. My belief is simple:

"Everyone is born with a unique, inherent possibility."

That possibility is not unlocked by "strong external force" or "unilateral correctness."

That's why I want to believe in an approach that is neither "moving people through influence" nor "motivating from the outside," but rather "working on one's inner self, opening the door, and inviting others in." An Inviting Leader adopts the stance of "simply embodying the path one believes in, and leaving the door open for their way of being to naturally permeate their surroundings," thereby inviting others to explore their own possibilities.

I see the relationship that unfold through this "Inviting" approach mirrored in the Asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern.

The Spirit of the Inviting Leadership Reflected in the Asanoha Pattern

The core spirit is the belief that everyone is born with their own unique possibility. The leader becomes an example by embodying that possibility, and inspired by this, people are invited to not to adopt the leader's colour, but to unveil and live their own possibility. Sometimes, the leader's path might align with someone else's possibility. However, the goal is not to become one. Furthermore, these individuals are not completely independent; rather, they live by their own core while continuously engaging closely with others. This, I believe, is what the Asanoha pattern represents, illustrating a world of interconnected possibilities.

Based on this spirit, an Inviting Leader believes each participant possesses their own unique "shining center" (their singular possibility). This leadership aims for a relationship where these individual centers are not forcibly unified or coloured the same, but rather "open out in all directions, connecting and resonating" as they are, embracing a multitude of possibilities.

Fully trusting in the other's possibility and free choice, the leader quietly asks,

"If you would like, why don't you step through this door and let your possibility blossom here and now?"

To speak quietly, built on respect, valuing freedom of choice. This is the path I wish to explore, the path to unlocking true possibility. The Asanoha pattern beautifully illustrates how individuals can be self-reliant yet maintain harmony as a whole, holding infinite possibilities.

Asanoha pattern

Some will call this idealism. Some will feel that simply waiting quietly will not get things done in time. But, in this world, there is truly no single right answer.

Every world is up to our mindset and actions.

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A Question for You

I am still on this journey of exploration myself. When you are trying to move people in your work or community right now, which "type" are you unconsciously leaning toward?

A) Influence: Leading strongly and guiding toward a goal.

B) Inspire: Using passion and vision to work from the outside and draw out intrinsic motivation.

C) Invite: Embodying your own way of being and waiting for voluntary participation and choice.

If you are willing, what is one step you would take if you tried the "Invite" approach? Hearing your perspective as an "Inviting Leader" would be a great hint for my own exploration. I look forward to your comments.